Israeli military closes UN-run schools in East Jerusalem

Israeli authorities, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, have reportedly forced close six United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools in East Jerusalem.

The closure will supposedly affect approximately 800 Palestinian students.

This action follows a 30-day closure order issued by Israeli police and the Education Ministry in April.

The closures are part of a broader Israeli ban on UNRWA operations in the city, which has been in effect since November 2024.

UNRWA, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949, provides education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees.

The agency has operated in East Jerusalem since its inception.

However, Israel accuses UNRWA of promoting anti-Israel and antisemitic content and alleges that some of its employees were involved in terrorist activities.

UNRWA has reportedly denied these allegations and maintains its impartiality.

Israeli officials assert that the schools lacked proper licensing and that the closures are in line with Israeli law.

The Education Ministry has stated that alternative educational arrangements will be made for the affected students.

However, parents and local residents express concerns about the feasibility and safety of these alternatives.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the closures, stating that they violate the basic right to education and United Nations privileges and immunities.

He emphasized that the closures deprive Palestinian children of their right to education and undermine the United Nations’ mandate in the region.

Lazzarini also criticized the use of force during the closures, including the deployment of tear gas in schoolyards.

This he described as a blatant disregard for international law.

The Palestinian Authority has also condemned the closures, describing them as a violation of international law and an attempt to impose the Israeli curriculum on Palestinian students.

The Foreign Ministry stated that the closures are part of a systematic campaign to undermine Palestinian identity and education in East Jerusalem.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the closures, urging Israel to respect the rights of Palestinian children and the United Nations’ mandate.

The United States has not issued an official statement on the matter. Some European countries have expressed support for UNRWA and called for a resolution to the issue through dialogue.

The closures have significant implications for Palestinian education in East Jerusalem.

UNRWA schools have long been a vital resource for Palestinian students, providing education in a region where access to quality schooling is limited.

The closures disrupt the education of hundreds of children and create uncertainty about their educational future.

In response to the closures, UNRWA has vowed to continue its operations in East Jerusalem as long as possible.

The agency is exploring legal avenues to challenge the closures and seeking support from the international community to uphold the rights of Palestinian students.

The situation in East Jerusalem remains tense, with ongoing debates about the future of Palestinian education and the role of UNRWA in the region.

The closures highlight the broader challenges facing Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem, including issues related to identity, sovereignty, and access to essential services.

As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the impact of the closures on Palestinian students and the broader implications for peace and stability in the region.

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