Zionist entity to close UNRWA schools in al-Quds
According to a Sunday report by the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency, the illegal Zionist entity would revoke permits allowing schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to continue to work next school year.
In October 2018, Nir Barakat, the former mayor of al-Quds, had said that administration for schools, clinics and sports centers, among other services, would be transferred to Israeli authorities.
Sami Meshasha, the spokesperson for UNRWA, said in a press statement on Sunday that Israel was violating the refugee convention over its plan.
"UNRWA's existence in al-Quds is not a gift from Israel," the spokesperson said, adding, "There are bilateral agreements binding on the Zionist regime to respect the agency's installations, jurisdiction and immunity in Jerusalem."
"In addition, Israel is a party to the 1946 Refugee Convention, and such attempts are in violation of this convention."
Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the executive committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), said in a statement carried by official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, that the Israeli decision was "a direct insult to the international community and disregard for its laws and decisions and institutions."
"This provocative step deliberately targets Palestinian refugees and their rights guaranteed by international and humanitarian law," Ashrawi said.
UNRWA runs seven schools in two refugee camps in al-Quds, serving a total of 3,000 students.
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