Jerusalem: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reinforced its firm stance on maintaining its mandate, originally established by the United Nations General Assembly, asserting that no single member state possesses the authority to alter or terminate it.
According to Jordan News Agency, Abeer Ismail, director of UNRWA’s Information Office in the West Bank and Jerusalem, emphasized that the agency’s facilities and personnel are safeguarded under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Ismail highlighted that UNRWA schools remain operational in East Jerusalem despite threats from Israeli authorities to close them.
Ismail warned of the implications should UNRWA schools be forced to close, stating it would set a precedent that might jeopardize the agency’s longstanding presence in East Jerusalem. This situation could leave 800 students without educational alternatives due to overcrowding in other local schools.
She further explained that the Israeli occupation authority aims to enforce Knesset legislation designed to eliminate UNRWA’s presence in Jerusalem. This effort began with an eviction notice to the UNRWA office in Sheikh Jarrah and has now escalated to include school closure orders.
The United Nations maintains that such laws are illegal under international law and contradict Israel’s obligations as a UN member. Ismail called for immediate international intervention to stop Israeli actions, protect the cultural identity of Jerusalem, and support its Arab residents.
Closure orders were issued by Israeli officials to UNRWA schools in the Shu’fat refugee camp, Sur Baher, and Wadi al-Joz in Silwan, with a 30-day compliance period, following Knesset legislation aimed at undermining UNRWA’s operations.