Jerusalem: Israel has ordered the closure of six schools run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem, Palestinian authorities said on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli officials from the Jerusalem Municipality, accompanied by Israeli Security Forces, forcibly entered six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, issuing closure orders effective in 30 days. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA commissioner-general, stated that approximately 800 students will be directly impacted and may miss completing their school year.

In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate reported that Israeli forces raided a UNRWA girls' school in the Shu'fat refugee camp, delivering a military order requiring the school's closure by May 8. The order prohibits entry to the school premises, including for principals, teachers, and staff, after the specified date, with violations considered criminal offenses. Israel cited the lack of a school license as the reason for the closure, without specifying the duration of the shutdown.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the decision to close the UNRWA schools in Shu'fat refugee camp, and the neighborhoods of Silwan, Wadi al-Joz, and Sur Baher. The ministry called for increased international efforts to maintain UNRWA's mandate. Similarly, the Palestinian Council of Ministers urged the UN to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting UNRWA institutions in Jerusalem.

In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed laws banning UNRWA's operations in Israel and occupied territories and prohibiting Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency. These laws took effect on January 30. Israel has accused UNRWA employees of involvement in a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, an allegation strongly denied by the agency.

Established in 1949, UNRWA has been a vital support system for Palestinian refugees, assisting nearly 5.9 million people across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.