660,000 Gaza Children Out of School; Israel Orders May 8 Closure of Six UNRWA Schools Affecting 800 Students

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, with the Gaza Ministry of Health reporting thousands of children killed or seriously injured and famine threatening the lives of thousands more due to the ongoing blockade. The Ministry has called for urgent international action, warning that every minute lost could cost a child's life. The spread of diseases is attributed to the destruction of hospitals and the prevention of medical supplies from entering the territory, with immediate calls for medical teams to be allowed into Gaza.

UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, reports that around 660,000 children in Gaza are currently out of school and receiving no formal education due to the ongoing conflict. The agency highlights immense challenges in providing emergency learning and psychosocial support, noting that recent displacement orders have made access to psychological support and recreational activities even more difficult. The destruction of educational infrastructure has severely disrupted schooling and threatens the long-term well-being of Gaza's children.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities have issued closure orders for six UNRWA-run schools in the Shu’fat refugee camp and other locations, set to take effect by May 8. This move risks depriving approximately 800 Palestinian students of their right to education. The closures follow Israeli laws enacted in January banning UNRWA operations in certain areas, and have been condemned by UNRWA and international organizations as violations of Israel's obligations under international law.

Gaza's Ministry of Health and other local organizations have appealed to humanitarian agencies and the international community to organize urgent relief campaigns, document violations, and press for the opening of safe corridors for food and medical aid. Reports indicate that more than 40,000 children have been orphaned and nearly 100 sick children have died due to the lack of access to medical care. Individual cases, such as that of Mohammed Muammar, a child who lost his sight and suffered partial paralysis after an airstrike, underscore the urgent need for medical treatment abroad that is unavailable locally.

UNRWA also provides health services to approximately 60,000 patients in East Jerusalem. The International Court of Justice has begun hearings to examine Israel’s restrictions on the work of the UN and other international organizations in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.