Hundreds of Palestinian children have been denied access to education after Israeli authorities forcibly closed six United Nations-run schools in occupied East Jerusalem, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced Thursday.
The closures, carried out by Israeli police on May 8, affected schools in the Shu’fat refugee camp and the neighborhoods of Silwan, Wadi al-Joz, and Sur Baher. Authorities cited a lack of permits as the reason for the shutdown.
Children Left Without Schools
Nearly 800 students have been unable to attend classes since the closures, according to UNRWA.
“These UNRWA schools are inviolable United Nations premises,” the agency said in a statement. “Keeping them open is essential to protect an entire generation of children. Palestinian children’s right to education must be upheld.”
Broader Crackdown on UNRWA Operations
The move is part of a wider Israeli effort to restrict UNRWA’s activities in East Jerusalem. In October 2024, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed two laws banning the agency from operating in occupied Palestinian territories. The laws, which took effect on January 30, also revoked UNRWA’s legal privileges and barred Israeli officials from engaging with the organization.
Israel has accused some UNRWA staff of involvement in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack—a claim the agency strongly denies. The UN has maintained that UNRWA remains neutral and committed to its humanitarian mission.
UNRWA’s Critical Role
Established in 1949, UNRWA provides vital services to nearly 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The agency runs schools, health clinics, and relief programs, making it a cornerstone of support for displaced Palestinians.
With the latest closures, concerns are growing over the long-term consequences for children’s education and stability in the region.
