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The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates held a ministerial meeting to discuss developments concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Qalandia Institute.

The meeting was chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Varsen Aghabekyan Shahin and attended by Jerusalem Governor Adnan Ghaith, Interior Minister Ziad Hab al-Rih, Justice Minister Sharhabil al-Zaim, Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Dr. Ashraf al-Awar, Head of the Refugee Affairs Department Dr. Ahmed Abu Holi, and other relevant officials.

The meeting focused in particular on the latest developments concerning the Qalandia Institute. Raids on the institute, as well as attempts to turn it into a school affiliated with the Israeli education system and to implement the Israeli curriculum, were also discussed.

Participants stressed the need to continue joint Palestinian efforts to protect UNRWA's role, mandate and institutions, as well as to ensure the continuation of the Qalandia Institute's educational and vocational role.

The meeting also emphasized the need to keep the issue on the agenda in contacts with states, diplomatic missions and international organizations, strengthen international initiatives, and launch media and awareness activities highlighting the importance of the institute.