America News Agency

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that it was a sad day in occupied East Jerusalem.

In his statement, Lazzarini said:

"This morning, heavily armed Israeli forces entered three UNRWA schools in the Shu'fat Camp in occupied Jerusalem, removing more than 550 girls and boys from their classrooms. One UNRWA staff member was detained. As a result, UNRWA was forced to evacuate all children from six schools operating in East Jerusalem. Currently, about 800 girls and boys, some as young as 6, are living in shock and trauma. Raiding schools and forcing their closure is a clear violation of international law. These schools are inviolable UN premises. By enforcing the closure orders issued last month, Israeli authorities are depriving Palestinian children of their basic right to education. UNRWA schools must remain open to ensure the safety of an entire generation of children."