The closure of educational institutions in Shuafat refugee camp raises significant concerns over children's rights.
Israeli Forces Shut Down UN Schools in East Jerusalem, Sparking Outcry
Israeli Forces Shut Down UN Schools in East Jerusalem, Sparking Outcry
Israel's actions against UN-run schools are condemned by international observers and Palestinian authorities.
Israeli security forces forcibly closed three United Nations-run educational institutions in the Shuafat refugee camp, located in East Jerusalem, just as classes commenced Thursday morning. This action prompted the immediate dismissal of hundreds of Palestinian students from their classrooms. In a statement, UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed grave concerns about Israeli authorities infringing upon the fundamental right to education, describing the closures as a "blatant disregard of international law."
Earlier this year, Israel imposed a ban on UNRWA, which it claims is influenced by Hamas, a charge the agency categorically denies while asserting its commitment to impartiality. Footage from the incident depicted young girls in school uniforms sharing emotional farewells outside the premises after Israeli forces arrived. Notices detailing the closure were affixed to school walls, prohibiting the operation of educational facilities and the entry of students. UNRWA indicated that at least 550 children were present at the time of the closures, with one staff member reportedly detained, highlighting the traumatic impact on these vulnerable students and the potential catastrophe for their education.
Further issues arose as Israeli police were deployed to three additional schools in East Jerusalem, resulting in further student dismissals. Lazzarini, via social media platform X, contended that the enforcement of closure orders issued last month contravenes established international law. He demanded that UNRWA schools remain operational to safeguard the educational future of Palestinian youth.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the closures, deeming them a violation of children’s educational rights. In a show of international solidarity, the British consulate in Jerusalem, alongside representatives from the UK, EU, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and Japan, expressed strong opposition to these closures and called for unwavering support for affected students, parents, and educators.
UNRWA has been active in East Jerusalem under its mandate from the UN General Assembly since 1950, and international humanitarian law mandates Israel to support the functioning of institutions dedicated to children's education. The background of the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem commenced in the aftermath of the 1967 Middle East conflict, leading to its annexation in 1980—a move that remains largely unrecognized globally. Presently, East Jerusalem is home to approximately 230,000 Israeli settlers and 390,000 Palestinians, with ongoing disputes concerning the legality of settlements as characterized by the International Court of Justice.
Earlier this year, Israel imposed a ban on UNRWA, which it claims is influenced by Hamas, a charge the agency categorically denies while asserting its commitment to impartiality. Footage from the incident depicted young girls in school uniforms sharing emotional farewells outside the premises after Israeli forces arrived. Notices detailing the closure were affixed to school walls, prohibiting the operation of educational facilities and the entry of students. UNRWA indicated that at least 550 children were present at the time of the closures, with one staff member reportedly detained, highlighting the traumatic impact on these vulnerable students and the potential catastrophe for their education.
Further issues arose as Israeli police were deployed to three additional schools in East Jerusalem, resulting in further student dismissals. Lazzarini, via social media platform X, contended that the enforcement of closure orders issued last month contravenes established international law. He demanded that UNRWA schools remain operational to safeguard the educational future of Palestinian youth.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the closures, deeming them a violation of children’s educational rights. In a show of international solidarity, the British consulate in Jerusalem, alongside representatives from the UK, EU, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and Japan, expressed strong opposition to these closures and called for unwavering support for affected students, parents, and educators.
UNRWA has been active in East Jerusalem under its mandate from the UN General Assembly since 1950, and international humanitarian law mandates Israel to support the functioning of institutions dedicated to children's education. The background of the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem commenced in the aftermath of the 1967 Middle East conflict, leading to its annexation in 1980—a move that remains largely unrecognized globally. Presently, East Jerusalem is home to approximately 230,000 Israeli settlers and 390,000 Palestinians, with ongoing disputes concerning the legality of settlements as characterized by the International Court of Justice.
