08 April 2025
From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)
They gave closure orders for the schools effective in 30 days.
UNRWA schools in occupied East Jerusalem are installations providing education to Palestine Refugee children.
Some 800 boys and girls are directly impacted by these closure orders and are likely to miss finishing their school year.
UNRWA schools are protected by the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.
Today’s unauthorised entries and issuance of closure orders are a violation of these protections and represent a revocation of Israel’s obligations under international law.
These illegal closure orders come in the wake of Israeli Knesset legislation seeking to curtail UNRWA operations.
UNRWA is committed to stay and deliver education and other basic services to Palestine Refugees in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in accordance with the General Assembly resolution mandated to the Agency.
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Armed conflict, Education and culture, Jerusalem, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 08/04/2025
URL source: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/unrwa-commissioner-general-israeli-officials-jerusalem-municipality