What's happened
Israel has ordered the closure of six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, impacting around 800 students. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, calling it a violation of educational rights. Regional governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, have also expressed strong opposition to the closures, urging international accountability.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of School Closures
- Educational Impact: The closure of UNRWA schools threatens the education of 800 Palestinian students, potentially forcing them into Israeli-run institutions that do not follow the Palestinian curriculum.
- Political Context: This move is part of a broader Israeli strategy to undermine UNRWA, which Israel accuses of perpetuating Palestinian victimhood. The closures reflect ongoing tensions in the region and the politicization of education.
- International Response: The strong condemnation from regional powers like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan indicates a growing concern over Israel's actions and their implications for peace in the region. These nations are calling for international intervention to uphold educational rights.
- Future Consequences: If the closures proceed, they could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in East Jerusalem and further alienate Palestinian communities, potentially leading to increased unrest and resistance against Israeli policies.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli police entered UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, issuing closure orders that could deprive children of their right to education. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini described these actions as violations of international law. The Times of Israel noted that despite the legislation aimed at UNRWA, many of its facilities continue to operate, suggesting a complex enforcement landscape. The New Arab highlighted the regional backlash, with foreign ministries from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan condemning the closures and calling for accountability. This multifaceted response underscores the significant geopolitical implications of Israel's actions against UNRWA.
How we got here
The Israeli government has been implementing measures against UNRWA since January 2025, including a ban on its operations in East Jerusalem. This has escalated tensions regarding Palestinian education and humanitarian services, particularly following accusations against UNRWA employees related to the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for Palestinian education?
- How are regional governments responding to Israel's actions?
- What is UNRWA's role in providing services to Palestinians?
Common question
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Why Did Israel Close UNRWA Schools in East Jerusalem?
The recent closure of UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem has raised significant concerns about educational rights and the future of Palestinian students. With around 800 students affected, this decision has sparked outrage from various regional governments and organizations. What does this mean for the local community and the broader implications for education in conflict zones? Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the situation.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The West Bank is a landlocked territory near the Mediterranean coast of Western Asia, bordered by Jordan to the east and by Israel to the south, west and north. The West Bank also contains a significant section of the western Dead Sea shore.
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Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an Arab country in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and the east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and Israel and Palestine
