The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have criticized Israel’s decision to shut down six schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem. This action, which strips children of access to education, was described by Qatar as yet another violation in the series of ongoing Israeli practices targeting Palestinians in occupied territories.
In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the right to education is a universal principle protected by international human rights laws and conventions. The ministry condemned Israel’s attempts to politicize education and undermine the role of UNRWA, urging the global community to take immediate and decisive measures to hold Israel accountable and ensure its compliance with international law.
Furthermore, Qatar reiterated its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the importance of international resolutions and the two-state solution. The statement advocated for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the borders drawn in 1967.
In addition, Saudi Arabia also voiced its strongest condemnation of Israel’s decision to shut down six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the closure a deliberate act targeting Palestinian children’s right to education and a continuation of systematic efforts to undermine humanitarian and relief operations.
The Ministry emphasized its outright rejection of Israel’s persistent defiance of international humanitarian standards and expressed concern over the lack of action from the global community in addressing these violations. The silence, it noted, contributes to the worsening of the humanitarian crisis and hinders efforts to achieve regional peace.
Saudi Arabia urged the international community to take immediate and decisive steps to hold Israel accountable for its continued violations against the Palestinian people.
It reaffirmed that ignoring these injustices only deepens the suffering and undermines the prospects for a just and lasting resolution in the region.
Om his part, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed deep concern over the recent closure of six schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in East Jerusalem.
He emphasized that these schools, serving hundreds of Palestinian refugee children, operate under the legal protections provided to United Nations facilities. Lazzarini criticized the closure orders as blatant violations of these safeguards and as a breach of international law.
He further highlighted the devastating impact on nearly 800 children, whose education has been disrupted as a direct consequence of these measures.
Lazzarini reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding its mandate and continuing to provide vital education and support to Palestinian refugees despite the challenges imposed by the occupation.
The Commissioner-General also called on the international community to advocate for the restoration of access to education for affected students and to ensure respect for international agreements protecting humanitarian institutions.
