The Palestine Liberation Organization has warned that Israel will close UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, as part of its efforts to eliminate the Palestinian cause.
According to the PLO, shuttering United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools is also part of the so-called “deal of the century” US peace proposal. It also represents Israeli domination of refugees and the entire educational process in Jerusalem.
The PLO’s executive committee welcomed world powers that voted overwhelmingly on draft resolutions related to the Palestinian cause at the United Nations General Assembly, especially the renewal of the UNRWA mandate.
Because of the vote, UNRWA can resume its work with Palestinian refugees.
Moreover, the executive committee held discussions on Israeli practices that can be recognized as war crimes against Palestinians, especially the annexation of more Palestinian territory.
In Jerusalem, Israel’s municipality licensed a construction plan for a school complex affiliated with the Israeli education ministry in both the Shaafat camp and Anata village.
The new school complex is meant to replace UNRWA’s schooling facilities and will be built on occupied territory.
Israel is working to get UNRWA out of Jerusalem as part of the US plan to close the international organization. Washington has cut off funds to UNRWA, leading it to face major budget difficulties.
The Americans and Israelis claim that maintaining UNRWA has contributed to prolonging the refugee problem, not solving it.
UNRWA, however, has had a critical impact on the lives of refugees in providing them with services and protection.
Founded in 1949, UNRWA provides education, health and relief services, as well as housing and small financial aid to more than 5 million refugees registered in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, as well as Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
