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Statement
The West Bank: Israeli Security Forces use UNRWA Health Centre as temporary detention site in southern West Bank in violation of international law 13 February 2025 AMMAN,
source
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Event Date

13 February 2025

AMMAN,

Israeli Security Forces (ISF) used the UNRWA Arroub Camp Health Centre (near Bethlehem) as a temporary detention site during a search and arrest operation on 12 February. The ISF forcibly entered the health centre and used it for the detention and interrogation of tens of Palestinian residents rounded up in the camp. 

This is a new development in the blatant disregard for the inviolability of United Nations facilities. Unfortunately, this recent incident follows a pattern of forcible entries into UNRWA installations in the West Bank since October 2023, by both Israeli security forces and Palestinian armed groups.

All UN premises are inviolable and are protected under international law. 

Since 30 January and the implementation of Knesset laws, including a no-contact policy between UNRWA and Israeli authorities, the Agency is no longer able to engage with Israeli officials and directly report and deconflict such incidents as they occur. 

Notes to Editors 

  • During the ongoing large-scale ISF operation in the northern West Bank since 21 January alone, multiple UNRWA facilities have been damaged or broken into. 
  • They include the Jenin Camp Health Centre, Jenin Girls’ School #1, Jenin Relief and Social Services Office, Nur Shams Girls’ School, Tulkarm Camp Health Centre and El Far’a Basic Boys School.

 

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