Israeli authorities order school closures, threatening education for Palestinian children

In early May 2025, Israeli authorities announced the closure of six United Nations-run schools in East Jerusalem, significantly impacting the education of approximately 800 children from Palestinian refugee families. This decision has thrown the future of these children's education into uncertainty, as many fear that alternative schooling options will not be suitable or accessible. The schools are crucial for the local community as they represent one of the few educational resources available to Palestinian refugees in the region. During a recent visit to one of these schools, reporters observed disturbing scenes as Israeli police deployed tear gas into a schoolyard, where children were playing. Palestinian teachers expressed grave concerns for the safety of their students amidst an atmosphere of hostility and violence. Despite Israeli police stating that their actions were a response to stone-throwing and not aimed specifically at the children, the traumatic experience raised questions about the viability of maintaining a safe educational environment for vulnerable Palestinian students. The Israeli Ministry of Education insists that students affected by the closures can be reassigned to other educational institutions in Jerusalem. However, parents and educators argue that relocating children to schools that require passing through checkpoints may lead to increased absenteeism, particularly for those holding West Bank identifications. As many families fear the implications of sending their children to Israeli schools, the crisis continues to fuel anxiety within the community. Teachers like Duaa Zourba are dedicated to ensuring that their schools remain safe havens amid the turmoil. They take precautions such as closing windows and doors during raids to minimize the impact of tear gas and protect the children. The urgent desire for these children to perceive their schools as safe spaces reflects a desperate hope for normalcy in a conflict-ridden context. The overall situation highlights the broader educational challenges facing Palestinian children in East Jerusalem and raises ethical questions about the scale of educational disruptions caused by ongoing conflict and political decisions.