School Shutdowns in East Jerusalem: A Latest Clash Over UNRWA Schools
- United Nations: Israel Shuts Down Additional UNRWA Schools in East Jerusalem Area
Here's some context on the issue at hand: UNRWA, or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, was formed in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees. Its key services include education, healthcare, and relief services.
Israel recently made the decision to close six schools run by UNRWA in occupied East Jerusalem. The objective is to replace these schools with municipal-run institutions that adhere to the Israeli curriculum. This move is part of a broader Israeli effort to limit UNRWA's operations, as they find a connection between the agency's work and the unresolved issue of Palestinian refugees and their right of return.
Impact on Students
The closure of these schools will affect around 850 Palestinian students, who are likely to be enrolled in municipal schools that follow the Israeli curriculum. This curriculum is often criticized by the Palestinian community for neglecting their history and undermining their national identity.
Relationship with the UN and International Reactions
The shutdowns have drawn strong criticism from Arab countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. They view the closures as an attack on UNRWA and Palestinian rights. These nations urge the international community to hold Israel accountable and support the enforcement of international law.
The closure of UNRWA schools is viewed as a violation of the institutions' international protections under diplomatic conventions, which could further strain relations between Israel and the United Nations.
Broader Implications
The continued operations of UNRWA are linked to the unresolved right of return for Palestinian refugees. Israel seeks to diminish UNRWA, seeing it as a symbol of this unresolved issue. Critics argue that the targeting of UNRWA erodes humanitarian services and poses challenges for peace efforts, exacerbating regional tensions.
The Commission, in light of the ongoing School Shutdowns in East Jerusalem, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of UNRWA employees from the risks related to exposure to potential international tensions and opposition, particularly in regard to the proposed closures of UNRWA schools.
Moreover, in response to the shutdowns, GAZA's governing body, Hamas, has called for a demonstration, asserting that the closures are a blatant violation of Palestinian rights and UNRWA's work in the region.
Lastly, the ongoing confrontation over UNRWA schools could have implications that reach beyond Palestine, as other countries with displaced populations may question the effectiveness and safety of relying on international agencies like UNRWA in the face of political tension and potential instability.
