UN decries Israeli police raids on its schools in occupied East Jerusalem

ANKARA

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) condemned on Tuesday Israeli police raids on its schools in the occupied East Jerusalem.

“This is a violation of the basic right to education as well as of United Nations privileges and immunities,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement.

Witnesses said that police forces stormed the UNRWA-run Jerusalem Elementary School in Silwan town and interrogated its management members.

The raids also targeted another school in the Wadi al-Joz neighborhood and a vocational training center in the Qalandia refugee camp in occupied East Jerusalem, they added.

“Children and young people in East Jerusalem denied of their right to education in UNRWA schools,” Lazzarini said.

He added that tear gas and sound bombs were fired during the raids as at least 350 students and 30 staff were present at the facilities.

“Children’s access to education must be preserved and United Nations facilities must be protected and respected at all times wherever they are,” Lazzarini said.

The raids came as an Israeli decision to ban UNRWA's activities took effect on Jan. 30, forcing the UN agency to shut down all its operations in East Jerusalem.

UNRWA, established in 1949, provides health, education and social services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan and Gaza.