UNRWA says Israel ordered it to shut 4 schools in East Jerusalem amid ban

By Agencies 18 February 2025, 2:26 pm

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Israelis protest against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) outside the organization's offices in Jerusalem, March 13, 2024. (Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90)

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees says Israeli forces raided four of its schools in East Jerusalem, ordering their closure.

Israel has severed all ties with the agency, known as UNRWA, and barred it from operating in its territory. It says the agency allowed itself to be deeply infiltrated by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and other places and has documented several instances of UNRWA personnel taking part in terror.

UNRWA said police entered a training center by force, firing tear gas and sound grenades and ordering its evacuation. It says 350 students and 30 staff were present during the raid on the Qalandiya Training Center.

It says police and city officials ordered the closure of three other schools in East Jerusalem, two of which proceeded with the school day.

There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities.

Roland Friedrich, UNRWA director for the West Bank and East Jerusalem, says the raids were an “unacceptable violation of United Nations privileges and immunities,” and a “denial of the right to education for children and trainees.”