• Israeli forces closed three UNRWA-run schools in East Jerusalem, impacting around 800 Palestinian students, citing licensing issues and alleged Hamas infiltration.
• UNRWA and international bodies condemn the closures as a violation of international law and the right to education, emphasizing the importance of UNRWA's mandate.
• The closures are part of a broader effort by Israel to restrict UNRWA's operations and influence Palestinian education in East Jerusalem.

Israeli forces closed three schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem on Thursday morning. This action, affecting approximately 800 students, follows closure orders issued by the Israeli Ministry of Education, citing a lack of proper licensing and alleging that UNRWA is infiltrated by Hamas. UNRWA denies these allegations and insists on its impartiality. The closures have sparked international condemnation, with many viewing them as a violation of international law and the basic right to education. The event highlights the ongoing tensions in East Jerusalem and the challenges faced by Palestinian institutions operating in the area.

• What: Israeli forces closed three UNRWA-run schools in East Jerusalem.
• Who: Israeli forces, UNRWA, Palestinian students, Israeli Ministry of Education, International Community, Adalah, ACRI
• When: The closures occurred on Thursday morning, following closure orders issued on April 8 and set to take effect on May 7 and 8, 2025.
• Where: Shuafat refugee camp, Wadi Joz, Sur Baher and Silwan in East Jerusalem.

The closure of UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem is a complex issue with significant legal, political, and humanitarian implications. Israel justifies the closures by citing licensing issues and allegations of Hamas infiltration within UNRWA. However, critics argue that these actions are part of a broader effort to undermine Palestinian education and institutions in East Jerusalem. The timing of the closures, just weeks before the end of the school year, raises concerns about the disruption to students' education and the potential for long-term negative impacts. The differing accounts of alternative placements for students highlight the challenges and uncertainties faced by Palestinian families. The legal challenges filed by Adalah and ACRI underscore the contentious nature of these closures and the ongoing debate over Israel's obligations as an occupying power.

"Storming schools and forcing them shut is a blatant disregard of international law. These schools are inviolable premises of the United Nations. By enforcing closure orders issued last month, the Israeli authorities are denying Palestinian children their basic right to learn. Unrwa schools must continue to be open to safeguard an entire generation of children."

"This is a grave violation of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations... This is a traumatising experience for young children who are at immediate risk of losing their access to education. The current school year runs until 20 June 2025."

"East Jerusalem Arabs can decide. If they want to realize their national identity, there are other countries. Not in Jerusalem, not in our capital city … That is the framework of the discussion."

The closure of UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. While Israel defends its actions on security and regulatory grounds, the closures have been widely condemned by international bodies and human rights organizations. The impact on the affected students is a major concern, and the future of UNRWA's operations in East Jerusalem remains uncertain. The situation is ongoing, with legal challenges and diplomatic efforts continuing to address the closures and their broader implications.