OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The Hamas Movement has condemned the storming of six UNRWA-run schools in Occupied Jerusalem by Israeli occupation forces, forcibly expelling students and staff and closing the schools.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Hamas described the Israeli move as a blatant violation of international conventions and laws and a direct assault on the United Nations and its institutions.
Hamas said this criminal act comes within the context of the comprehensive war waged by the occupation against Palestinian presence and identity, particularly in Occupied Jerusalem, as part of its relentless efforts to impose full Judaization of the city.
The Movement called on the United Nations, its agencies, and all relevant international bodies and organizations to take urgent and effective action to halt these criminal violations, to pressure for the reopening of the schools, and to ensure that more than 800 Palestinian boys and girls are able to return to their classrooms.
Earlier on Thursday, Israeli occupation authorities closed six schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Occupied Jerusalem, following raids during which students, teaching staff, and administrative teams were forcibly evacuated.
UNRWA stated that the closure of its schools in East Jerusalem constitutes a serious violation of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, describing it as a traumatic experience for children now at risk of losing their immediate right to education, as the current academic year continues until 20 June 2025.
In a press statement, the UN agency confirmed that it was compelled to evacuate the six schools in order to safeguard the students’ safety. It explained that Israeli police raided the schools and ordered the immediate cessation of classes while more than 550 students, aged between 6 and 15, and their teachers were present on site.
