Israel has officially closed six schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, affecting the education of more than 800 Palestinian students. This move has sparked serious concerns among families, teachers, and human rights groups.
The closure followed a 30-day notice issued last month by the Israeli Ministry of Education, backed by armed police forces, instructing the schools to shut down operations. The deadline expired on Wednesday, leading to a permanent closure on Thursday.
Why Were the UN Schools Closed?
Israel had earlier banned UNRWA from operating in its territory, accusing the agency of promoting anti-Israel content and antisemitic views in its educational materials. UNRWA has strongly denied these allegations, defending its curriculum as based on neutral and internationally recognized standards.
UNRWA is the primary provider of education and healthcare to Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem, a region captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed—though this move is not internationally recognized.
Student Future Uncertain
The shutdown leaves hundreds of Palestinian children without a clear path forward in their education. Parents and teachers fear that relocating students to other Jerusalem schools will expose them to daily hardships, including crossing overcrowded and heavily monitored checkpoints. Many students lack valid permits, making regular attendance nearly impossible.
The Israeli Ministry of Education claims the schools were operating without proper licenses. In response, UNRWA had vowed to continue running the schools until officially forced to stop.
A Growing Crisis for Palestinian Refugees
UNRWA still operates schools in the West Bank, but the closures in East Jerusalem mark a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between Israel and the agency. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent Gaza conflict, Israel has intensified its crackdown on UNRWA operations, aiming to reduce its influence in East Jerusalem.
Parents Speak Out
Many Palestinian families say the closures feel like a direct attack on their children’s right to education. “This isn’t just about schools; it’s about dignity and access to basic rights,” said a local parent.
What’s Next?
While Israel has said students will be reassigned to other schools, concerns remain over logistics, accessibility, and safety. Human rights organizations are urging the international community to intervene and support educational access for Palestinian children in East Jerusalem.
