Israel shutters UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, in line with ban on aid agency

Israeli police shut down six schools operated by UNRWA in the Shuafat refugee camp and other neighborhoods of East Jerusalem on May 8, as they implemented a law prohibiting the UN’s Palestinian aid agency from operating in the capital because of its ties to terror organizations, including Hamas, Report informs via The Times of Israel.

The closures followed a police notice issued to the schools last month and marked the official enforcement of a law banning United Nations Relief and Works Agency operations within Israel’s sovereign territory, which came into effect in January. The law does not apply to the West Bank or the Gaza Strip.

An AFP photographer at the scene said that a closure notice in Hebrew was left at the entrance of at least one of the schools, and UNRWA said at least one of its staff members was detained.

“From May 8, 2025, it will be prohibited to operate educational institutions, or employ teachers, teaching staff or any other staff, and it will be forbidden to accommodate students or allow the entry of students into this institution,” the closure order read.