Israeli forces shut down three schools operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem’s Shuafat refugee camp, disrupting lessons and sending hundreds of students home. Officers reportedly entered the schools while classes were underway, detaining one UNRWA staff member in the process.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini strongly condemned the closures, calling them a breach of international law and an attack on children’s fundamental right to education. Videos circulating online showed emotional scenes of students gathering outside the shuttered schools.
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A closure notice posted by Israeli authorities stated that all educational activities and staff employment at the schools were prohibited. The shutdowns follow an Israeli ban on UNRWA operations earlier this year, citing alleged ties to Hamas—allegations the agency denies.
International criticism quickly mounted as the UK, EU, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and Japan voiced their opposition, urging Israel to honor its legal responsibility to facilitate education for children in occupied territories.
