Israeli Forces Shut Down UN-Run Schools in East Jerusalem, Drawing International Condemnation

Armed Israeli security forces closed three UN-run schools in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem on Thursday, sending home more than 550 Palestinian children in what UN officials and human rights groups are calling a violation of international law and a direct attack on children’s right to education.

The schools, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees, were shut down shortly after classes began. Video footage captured young girls in uniform hugging and comforting each other outside the school gates. A closure order posted on one school’s wall stated that the operation of educational institutions, employment of staff, and entry of students were now prohibited.

UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the closures as “a blatant disregard of international law,” and said the actions denied Palestinian children their fundamental right to learn. One UNRWA staff member was also detained during the operation, which Lazzarini described as “traumatising” for the students.

Israeli authorities banned UNRWA earlier this year, accusing the agency of links to Hamas—allegations the UN agency firmly denies. UNRWA maintains its neutrality and insists on its mandate to provide humanitarian services under international law.

Israeli police were also seen at other UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, prompting additional closures. Lazzarini urged that UNRWA schools must remain open “to safeguard an entire generation of children.”

The Palestinian Authority called the closures a direct violation of children’s rights. In a rare joint statement, the UK, EU, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and Japan expressed strong opposition to Israel’s actions and stood in solidarity with the affected students and educators. They emphasized that under international humanitarian law, Israel is obligated to facilitate education in occupied territories.

UNRWA has operated in East Jerusalem since 1950 under a UN General Assembly mandate. However, last year Israel’s parliament passed laws banning contact with the agency and restricting its activities within Israeli-claimed territories.

East Jerusalem remains a focal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel, which captured the territory during the 1967 war, later annexed it—a move not recognized by most of the international community. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.