AhlulBayt News Agency: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the Israeli regime for its decision to close six schools run by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in occupied al-Quds.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the 57-member bloc said Israel’s decision was an illegal attempt to undermine UNRWA’s role in the occupied city.
The organization called it a blatant violation of the UN Charter and Resolution 302 (IV), which established the agency’s mandate in December 1949.
The OIC said the decision would deprive Palestinian refugee children of their fundamental right to education and seek instead to impose the Israeli curriculum.
Elsewhere, the OIC urged all states to support UNRWA with political, financial, and legal assistance to continue serving Palestinian refugees and protecting their rights, as outlined in UN Resolution 194.
On April 8, Israeli authorities notified the six UNRWA schools in the neighborhoods of Shuafat, Silwan, Sur Baher, and Wadi al-Joz that they would be closed within 30 days.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement that Israel’s orders were a “violation” of international law and the rules granting the UN operations protection from local jurisdictions.
“Some 800 boys and girls are directly impacted by these closure orders and are likely to miss finishing their school year,” Lazzarini wrote.
Critics say hundreds of children are likely to be moved to schools teaching the Israeli curriculum, which could erase the Palestinian identity.
Israeli authorities moved to banish the UN agency from the occupied West Bank and East al-Quds early this year.
In 2024, Israel passed a law that prohibits the operations of UNRWA in East al-Quds and the West Bank.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have demolished or damaged numerous UNRWA schools and health centers in the Palestinian territories.
The Organization of American Historians (OAH) recently voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that condemns Israel for its “scholasticide” in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military has bombed and mostly destroyed all 12 universities in Gaza and hundreds of primary and secondary schools.
More than 200 heritage sites, including mosques, churches, and libraries, have been destroyed.
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