ILA Requests UNRWA to Leave, Pay Fine for Unauthorized Activity

By Yoni Weiss

The Israel Land Authority (ILA) has formally requested the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to vacate a compound in the village of Kafr Aqab, located in northern Yerushalayim, citing the lack of a permit for utilizing the state-owned plot.

In the letter, the ILA’s legal counsel for the Yerushalayim District emphasized that UNRWA had taken possession of the land without the required permit. The ILA is demanding the evacuation of the premises and retroactive payment of NIS 17 million ($4,600) in usage fees.

The contested UNRWA compound, occupying 21 acres near the Qalandiya checkpoint, was allegedly constructed without the proper permit for its current use. The land was initially purchased by Jewish philanthropists abroad in the early 20th century, who donated it for the development of Jewish settlements in Yerushalayim. UNRWA-affiliated individuals took control of the land, building a school and a memorial for terrorists involved in activities in Yerushalayim.

The ILA’s letter, dated Jan. 14, instructs UNRWA to cease all unlawful use, demolish illegal structures, evacuate the land, and restore the original state within 30 days.

Deputy Mayor of Yerushalayim Arieh King has urged the KKL to reclaim the property rightfully owned by the organization. He emphasized the historical ownership of the land and called for its return to Jewish hands, denouncing the illegal construction and usage by UNRWA. King welcomed the ILA’s decision and called for swift government action to enforce the fine, ensure property evacuation, and restore the land to its original purpose.