Israel’s closure of 6 UN-run schools deprives hundreds of Palestinian children of education: Refugee agency

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) – Hundreds of Palestinian children have been left without education after Israeli closure orders for six UN-run schools in occupied East Jerusalem, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Thursday.

On May 8, Israeli police shut down six schools run by the UNRWA in Shu’fat refugee camp and neighborhoods of Silwan, Wadi al-Joz, and Sur Baher, citing the lack of permits.

“Nearly 800 children are out of school since 8 May, after the Israeli Forces forced the closure of the 6 UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem,” the refugee agency said in a statement.

“These UNRWA schools are inviolable premises of the United Nations,” it said. “UNRWA schools must continue to be open to safeguard an entire generation of children.

“Palestinian children’s right to education must be upheld,” UNRWA stressed.

The closures came in the wake of a broader campaign by Israeli authorities to restrict UNRWA’s operations in the occupied East Jerusalem.

In October 2024, Israel’s Knesset passed two laws banning UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, including measures to strip the agency of its privileges and prohibit any interaction with it. These laws went into effect on Jan. 30.

Israel has accused several UNRWA employees of participating in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack – allegations the agency has strongly denied. The UN has reiterated that UNRWA remains committed to neutrality and continuing its humanitarian mission.

Established in 1949, UNRWA has served as a critical lifeline for Palestinian refugees, supporting nearly 5.9 million people across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.