RAMALLAH, April 30, 2025 (WAFA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced Wednesday that the Israeli occupation authorities will deprive 800 children of their right to education as six of its schools in East Jerusalem are set to close.

 “In less than 10 days, closure orders issued by Israeli officials against six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem will come into effect,” said Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, in a statement on the X platform.

He explained that the school closures “threaten the right to education of approximately 800 children, which constitutes a violation of Israel’s obligations under international law.”

He added, “UNRWA schools in Shu’fat camp have been part of the social fabric of the camp for decades, allowing children to receive high-quality education close to their homes.”

Friedrich added, “The girls now fear that their dreams of becoming doctors or scientists will be dashed if they lose their right to education.”

The occupation authorities decided to close six UNRWA schools in the Shuafat refugee camp, Silwan, Wadi al-Joz, and Sur Baher in Jerusalem on the 8th of next month.

On October 28, 2024, the Israeli Knesset overwhelmingly approved two laws prohibiting UNRWA from conducting any activities inside Israel, revoking its privileges and facilities, and prohibiting any official contact with it. The decision went into effect at the end of last January.

Y.S