UNRWA Warns of School Closures Impacting 800 Children in Jerusalem

Jerusalem: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced that Israeli authorities will soon close six schools in East Jerusalem, potentially denying 800 children their right to education. According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the closure orders were issued by Israeli officials and are set to take effect in less than 10 days. UNRWA Director of Affairs in the West Bank, Roland Friedrich, expressed concern on the X platform, stating that the closure threatens the educational rights of approximately 800 children, which he noted is a violation of Israel's obligations under international law. The situation follows recent legislative actions by the Israeli Knesset, which on October 28, 2024, passed two laws that prohibit UNRWA from conducting activities within Israel. These laws also revoke the agency's privileges and facilities, and ban any official contact with it. The measures were implemented at the end of January, marking a significant shift in the operational landscap e for UNRWA in the region.