Jerusalem: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a warning regarding the potential illegal closure or takeover of the Qalandia Training College by Israeli occupation authorities, highlighting the risk of depriving Palestine refugees of essential education and vocational training services. These services are provided under UNRWA's mandate as issued by the United Nations General Assembly. According to Union of OIC News Agencies, this alert was raised during a Zoom meeting with UNRWA's West Bank Director, Roland Friedrich. The meeting was part of a field tour organized by the college for journalists to understand the institution's current situation and the ongoing threats from Israeli authorities. Friedrich emphasized that the Qalandia Training College, the first and oldest vocational institute established by UNRWA over 70 years ago, has been instrumental in educating thousands of Palestinian refugees who have since joined labor markets locally and regionally. The college operates as a United Nations facility, enjoying privileges and immunities under international law. Friedrich elaborated that the college annually accommodates hundreds of Palestinian refugee students from across the West Bank, aged 15 to 19, offering them free vocational education amidst challenging social and economic conditions. He underscored the continuous threats from occupation authorities to close and seize the college, stressing that unauthorized entry by occupation forces violates agreements on the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its organizations. The warnings come in the context of escalating threats to evacuate the college and seize its buildings, following five raids since the start of the year. Notably, these raids took place on February 18, May 11, June 30, and July 27, during which occupation forces detained about 80 students and 45 staff members without issuing official documents or notices. The recent field tour provided insights into the college's facilities a nd the various professional specializations and training programs available to hundreds of students. Located north of occupied Jerusalem, opposite the Qalandia refugee camp, the college spans 88 dunams and currently serves approximately 270 students across 16 vocational specializations. It offers on-campus housing and various support services, including nursing, guidance, and career counseling. Annually, it graduates between 250 and 300 students. The situation has been further complicated by recent legislative actions. On October 28, 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed two laws. The first law restricts UNRWA's activities in areas under Israeli sovereignty, while the second law prohibits any contact with the agency.
