Jerusalem: The United Nations Agency of Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has expressed its rejection of an Israeli army raid into six UNRWA-affiliated schools located in the occupied city of Jerusalem, specifically in the neighborhoods of Shuafat, Silwan, Sur Baher, and Wadi al-Joz.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Abeer Ismail, director of UNRWA's Information Office, condemned the raid and the subsequent issuance of a closure order, which demands the closure of these institutions within 30 days. Ismail emphasized that this action is a breach of international law.
"This procedure represents a violation of the right of Palestine refugee children to receive education, and threatens to deprive hundreds of children of their basic right to education within their country," Ismail stated in a press release. She warned of dire consequences if the schools are forced to close, citing the deprivation of education as a factor that would worsen the children's suffering and negatively impact their future.
She also highlighted that the action violates the immunity of United Nations facilities and indicated that the UN is actively monitoring the situation and evaluating its legal and practical implications. She reaffirmed UNRWA's commitment to providing educational services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied city, even during the current academic year.
Earlier today, Israeli occupation forces entered the six schools and declared their intention to close the facilities. This follows Israel's Knesset approval on 28 October 2024, with over 90 percent support, of two bills prohibiting UNRWA from operating in the occupied territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. These legislative measures were implemented at the end of January.
East Jerusalem is recognized internationally as part of the Palestinian territories that have been under Israeli military occupation since 1967.
