Israel Closes UNRWA Schools in East Jerusalem Following Aid Agency Ban
Israeli Police Close UNRWA Schools in East Jerusalem
On May 8, Israeli police enforced a new law by shutting down six schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Shuafat refugee camp and other areas of East Jerusalem. This action is part of a broader legal framework aimed at preventing UNRWA from operating in Israel due to allegations of connections to terrorist organizations, including Hamas.
The closures followed a police notice issued to the schools in the preceding month, marking the official implementation of legislation that took effect in January. Notably, this law does not extend to the West Bank or Gaza Strip, where UNRWA continues its operations.
Witnesses reported that closure notices were left at the entrances of the affected schools, with at least one UNRWA staff member being detained during the enforcement. The closure order explicitly states that starting from May 8, 2025, it will be illegal to operate educational institutions, employ staff, or allow students to enter these schools.
This development raises significant concerns about the educational future of Palestinian children in the affected areas, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding the intersection of education, humanitarian assistance, and governmental policies in the region.
