On May 8, 2025, Israeli authorities forcibly closed six schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, affecting the education of approximately 800 Palestinian refugee children. The closures were enforced following a 30-day notice issued by Israeli police and the Education Ministry, citing the schools’ lack of proper licensing.
The Israeli government alleges that UNRWA schools promote antisemitic and anti-Israeli content, accusations which UNRWA denies. UNRWA, a vital provider of education and health services to Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, condemned the closures and vowed to keep its schools open as long as possible.
During the enforcement of the closures, Israeli police were observed firing tear gas into a schoolyard in the Shuafat refugee camp while children were playing. The students, caught off guard, attempted to flee the gas, many choking, crying, and covering their faces. Police claimed their operation was in response to stone-throwing and denied deliberately targeting the school.
Parents and educators have expressed deep concern over the closures, warning that students will now have to navigate dangerous checkpoints daily to attend other schools, with some lacking the necessary permits. They fear this will lead to increased absenteeism and dropouts, particularly among girls, who may face early marriage, and boys, who might be pushed into unskilled labor.
The international community has criticized the closures, viewing them as a violation of Israel’s obligations under international law. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the raids as “a clear violation of Israel’s obligations under international law.”