Israel Closes Six UN Schools in East Jerusalem, Impacts 800 Students

Israeli forces closed six UNRWA-run schools in annexed East Jerusalem, forcibly evacuating around 800 Palestinian students and posting closure orders citing lack of authorization. UNRWA and Palestinian authorities condemned the closures as violations of international law and children's right to education, describing the move as an assault on education and a traumatizing experience for the children involved. The closure orders, effective until May 8, 2025, prohibit operating educational institutions or employing staff at these schools, with Israeli police heavily deployed around the premises. This action follows Israeli laws passed in 2024 banning UNRWA operations in Israel and occupied territories, amid accusations by Israel linking UNRWA employees to the Hamas attack in October 2023, which UNRWA denies. The Palestinian Ministry of Education urged international organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF to intervene and warned of further attacks if accountability is not enforced. The closures are seen as part of a broader Israeli campaign against Palestinian education institutions and UNRWA's mandate in East Jerusalem.