Israeli forces have forcibly shut three UN-run schools in East Jerusalem, prompting outrage from the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority over the impact on children's education.
**Israeli Authorities Shutdown UN Schools, Disrupt Education in East Jerusalem**
**Israeli Authorities Shutdown UN Schools, Disrupt Education in East Jerusalem**
Closure of educational institutions in Shuafat refugee camp raises international concerns over children's rights and access to learning.
Israeli security forces have taken action to close three schools operated by the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in the Shuafat refugee camp of East Jerusalem, leading to the abrupt dismissal of hundreds of students shortly after the school day commenced on Thursday morning. UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the closure as a violation of children's fundamental right to education and expressed concern over the blatant breach of international law.
The decision to close the schools follows a new Israeli ban on UNRWA that critics argue is rooted in accusations against the agency of Hamas infiltration, claims that UNRWA strongly refutes by maintaining its commitment to neutrality. Videos captured during the incident depict emotional scenes where young girls in uniforms embraced each other outside their schools in response to the Israeli forces' presence. The schools received notice indicating a complete prohibition on educational activities.
UNRWA reported over 550 students aged between six to fifteen were attending the schools at the time, and a staff member was detained during the operation, which has been described as a traumatizing experience for the children and threatening their educational access. The agency further revealed that police actions at three other schools in the area prompted additional closures.
Lazzarini stated on social media, "Storming schools and forcing them shut is a blatant disregard of international law," asserting that these institutions are protected areas under UN jurisdiction. He emphasized the importance of keeping UNRWA schools open to ensure an entire generation of Palestinian children have access to education.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the closures as a direct violation of children's educational rights, while the British consulate, supported by multiple international entities, expressed solidarity with affected students, parents, and educators. They reiterated that Israel must adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate education for all children.
UNRWA has been active in East Jerusalem since 1950 under a UN General Assembly mandate, yet recent legislation in Israel prohibits official contact with the agency and any operations within Israeli territory. Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem, unrecognized by much of the global community, compounds the complex legal and humanitarian issues in the region, as approximately 230,000 Israeli settlers live alongside 390,000 Palestinians within the city limits. Most of the international community views the settlements as illegal, a position supported by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.
The decision to close the schools follows a new Israeli ban on UNRWA that critics argue is rooted in accusations against the agency of Hamas infiltration, claims that UNRWA strongly refutes by maintaining its commitment to neutrality. Videos captured during the incident depict emotional scenes where young girls in uniforms embraced each other outside their schools in response to the Israeli forces' presence. The schools received notice indicating a complete prohibition on educational activities.
UNRWA reported over 550 students aged between six to fifteen were attending the schools at the time, and a staff member was detained during the operation, which has been described as a traumatizing experience for the children and threatening their educational access. The agency further revealed that police actions at three other schools in the area prompted additional closures.
Lazzarini stated on social media, "Storming schools and forcing them shut is a blatant disregard of international law," asserting that these institutions are protected areas under UN jurisdiction. He emphasized the importance of keeping UNRWA schools open to ensure an entire generation of Palestinian children have access to education.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the closures as a direct violation of children's educational rights, while the British consulate, supported by multiple international entities, expressed solidarity with affected students, parents, and educators. They reiterated that Israel must adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate education for all children.
UNRWA has been active in East Jerusalem since 1950 under a UN General Assembly mandate, yet recent legislation in Israel prohibits official contact with the agency and any operations within Israeli territory. Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem, unrecognized by much of the global community, compounds the complex legal and humanitarian issues in the region, as approximately 230,000 Israeli settlers live alongside 390,000 Palestinians within the city limits. Most of the international community views the settlements as illegal, a position supported by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.
