**Israeli Forces Close UN-Run Schools in East Jerusalem, Sparking International Outcry**
In a move that has been widely condemned by the international community, Israeli forces have closed three schools run by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) in East Jerusalem. The closures, which took place on Thursday morning, have left hundreds of Palestinian students without access to education.
According to Unrwa’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, the Israeli authorities are denying children their basic right to learn and are showing a “blatant disregard of international law.” The ban on Unrwa in Israel was imposed earlier this year, with Israel accusing the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas. However, Unrwa has consistently maintained that it is impartial and denies any claims of infiltration.
**A Violation of Children’s Rights**
The closure of these schools is a clear violation of children’s rights to education, according to the Palestinian Authority, which governs areas of the West Bank not under Israeli control. The British consulate has also weighed in on the issue, stating that the UK, EU, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey strongly oppose the closure order issued against Unrwa schools.
“This move is a flagrant disregard of international laws,” Lazzarini said in a statement. “By enforcing the closure orders issued last week, Israeli authorities deny Palestinian children their right to learn. Unrwa Schools must remain open to protect an entire generation of kids.”
**A Long-Running Dispute**
The dispute between Israel and Unrwa is not new. Last year, Israel’s parliament passed laws forbidding contact between Israeli officials and Unrwa, as well as banning activity by the agency in Israeli territory. This move has been widely criticized by the international community, with many countries viewing it as an attempt to undermine the work of a UN agency.
**A Complex History**
The history of East Jerusalem is complex and fraught with tension. Israel captured the area, along with the rest of the West Bank, in the 1967 Middle East war. It effectively annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, a move not recognized by most of the international community. Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their hoped-for future state.
The current situation is further complicated by the presence of approximately 230,000 Israeli settlers living alongside 390,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Most of the international community considers the settlements built there and elsewhere in the West Bank to be illegal under international law.
**A Global Response**
In response to this development, the international community has rallied around Unrwa and the Palestinian people. As one diplomat noted, “This is not just about closing schools; it’s about denying children their right to education and a future.”
As the world watches, it remains to be seen how this situation will play out. Will Israel reverse its decision, or will it continue down a path that has sparked international condemnation? One thing is certain: the people of East Jerusalem, Palestinian and Israeli alike, deserve access to quality education.
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