Skip to content
Parliament — Wounded — Hamas — Staff — Unrwa — Un — Israel — War-and-conflicts — Attack — General-news — War — Closure — Prohibiting — learning — Statement — Lebanon — Refugees — Politics — News — Vehemently — Gaza — Report

Israeli authorities impose closure orders, denying education for approximately 800 Palestinians residing in annexed East Jerusalem, as reported by the United Nations.

Threat to education of approximately 800 Palestinian students as Israeli orders close down six UN-administered schools in annexed East Jerusalem, according to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Risk of educational denial for approximately 800 Palestinian students as Israeli authorities impose...
Risk of educational denial for approximately 800 Palestinian students as Israeli authorities impose closure orders on six United Nations-operated schools in Occupied East Jerusalem, according to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Israeli authorities impose closure orders, denying education for approximately 800 Palestinians residing in annexed East Jerusalem, as reported by the United Nations.

Updated Scenario:

Israel's decision to shutter six UN-run schools in Occupied East Jerusalem during the current semester is causing a stir, given the potential impact on around 800 Palestinian students who might experience an education gap, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Israeli authorities gave these Shu'fat Refugee Camp schools a May 8th deadline, stating the lack of a license as the reason. It's important to note that the orders mandate the exclusion of all individuals, including academics, faculty, and staff, from the schools.

UNRWA vehemently opposes these orders, asserting that they flout Israel's obligations under international law, as articulated in a statement.

A united delegation representing 12 of UNRWA's partners visited the Camp the day before, in a display of international solidarity against the Israeli closure orders and to hear unfiltered, on-the-ground accounts from students, parents, and staff regarding the situation.

These schools have been a vibrant part of Shu'fat Refugee Camp's community for decades, offering high-quality education close to the children's homes. A UNRWA statement laments that this closure may dismantle dreams of professional achievements as little girls fear losing their access to education.

The Israeli closure orders appear to represent part of Tel Aviv's expansive anti-UNRWA movement. In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed two resolutions banning UNRWA's operations within Israeli territory and areas under its control, as well as forbidding any contact between Israeli authorities and the Agency. These measures went into effect on January 30, 2025.

Israel maintains that UNRWA staff have connections with Hamas and supports the dissemination of antisemitic content in their curricula—allegations fiercely rejected by the UN agency.

Established in 1949, UNRWA has proven instrumental in supplying essential services such as education and healthcare to Palestinian refugees across five countries. Their services have reached nearly 5.9 million individuals in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

The potential consequences of this situation for Palestinian students include educational disruptions, restricted access to education, increased challenges for refugee communities, and socio-community tensions as the shutdown affects not only students but the broader community relying on these institutions.

  1. The United Nations (UN) has released a report criticizing Israel's decision to close six UN-run schools in Shu'fat Refugee Camp, specifically in Occupied East Jerusalem.
  2. The closure of these schools, an essential part of the community for decades, will reportedly impact over 800 Palestinian students, potentially causing an education gap.
  3. In response to the closure orders, a delegation of 12 UNRWA partners expressed solidarity by visiting the camp, hearing firsthand accounts from students, parents, and staff.
  4. The Israeli parliament, or Knesset, has passed resolutions prohibiting UNRWA's operations within its territory and areas under its control, as well as forbidding contact between Israeli authorities and the agency.
  5. Israel’s stance on the closure is based on allegations that UNRWA staff have links with Hamas and promote antisemitic content in their curricula, accusations robustly denied by the UN agency.
  6. UNRWA, established in 1949, plays a crucial role in providing education, healthcare, and other essential services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and recently exacerbated tensions in these areas.
  7. The statement from UNRWA lamented that the closure order may shatter dreams of professional achievements, as it could deny access to education for little girls in the camp.
  8. Amidst the conflicts, war, and politics, international attention has been drawn to the general news of the war and conflicts in Gaza, with a particular focus on the learning opportunities affected by this decision.
  9. Israel's attack on UN-run schools in Shu'fat Refugee Camp has triggered a wave of concern about the provision of education to Palestinian refugees and the overall impact on their education-and-self-development.
  10. In a challenging environment marked by war and conflicts, the international community is urged to stand against such closures in order to protect the future of Palestinian refugees and the success of their learners.
  11. The refugee community in Shu'fat faces increased challenges, as the closure affects not just students but also the broader community dependent on these institutions.
  12. In light of the ongoing situation, the UN, human rights organizations, and global leaders are issuing statements to Israeli authorities, demanding the reversal of the closure orders and ensuring the protection of those who may become wounded in this political game.

Read also:

    Latest