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2w ago

Israel Enforces Closure of Six UNRWA Schools in East Jerusalem

The shutdown displaces 800 Palestinian students, sparking concerns over disrupted education and logistical challenges for reassignment.

Students walk out of UNRWA Girls School run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in the Shuafat Refugee Camp in east Jerusalem, Thursday, May 8, 2025. After Israeli forces ordered the closure of six of its schools in east Jerusalem Thursday. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Image
A woman passes the front entrance to the UNRWA Boys' School run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in the Shuafat Refugee Camp in east Jerusalem, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Students stand outside of UNRWA Girls School run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in the Shuafat Refugee Camp in east Jerusalem, Thursday, May 8, 2025. After Israeli forces ordered the closure of six of its schools in east Jerusalem Thursday. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Overview

  • Israeli authorities permanently closed six UNRWA-run schools in East Jerusalem on May 8, 2025, following a ban on the agency's operations in Israeli-annexed areas.
  • The closures impact 800 Palestinian refugee children, with students and families facing uncertainty over integration into Israeli schools.
  • Israeli forces enforced the closures with heavy security, detaining at least one UNRWA staff member and deploying tear gas during operations in Shuafat refugee camp.
  • UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority condemned the move, citing violations of children's right to education and the humanitarian impact on displaced students.
  • Logistical obstacles, including checkpoint permits and overcrowding, complicate plans to reassign students, particularly those with West Bank IDs.