Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemn Israel's decision to close UNRWA schools in Jerusalem

Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned Israel's order to close UNRWA schools in Jerusalem and called on the international community to assume its responsibilities regarding ongoing Israeli violations against Palestinians.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that "the right to education is a fundamental right guaranteed by international human rights laws and conventions, reiterating the State of Qatar's categorical rejection of the politicization of education and Israeli moves aimed at ending or reducing the role of UNRWA."

She stressed "the need for the international community to act urgently to hold Israel accountable and compel it to comply with international law."

She reiterated the State of Qatar's firm and permanent position in supporting the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, based on international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's strongest condemnation of the closure orders issued by Israel against six schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem. 

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's categorical rejection of the Israeli authorities' continued intransigence and systematic targeting of UNRWA and relief and humanitarian work, amid the international community's silence.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also called on the international community to assume its responsibilities regarding the ongoing Israeli violations against the brotherly Palestinian people, stressing that silence on these violations exacerbates the crisis and undermines the chances of achieving peace in the region.

The two countries emphasized that this measure falls within the framework of systematic Israeli policies aimed at diminishing the agency's role and depriving Palestinian children of their basic right to education.

This stance comes after Israeli police on Tuesday served all UNRWA schools in the Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem with orders to close within 30 days, a move described by human rights and humanitarian organizations as a dangerous escalation targeting the social and educational fabric of Palestinians in the holy city.

It should be noted that UNRWA, established in 1949, plays a vital role in providing educational and humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees. However, continued Israeli pressure threatens its existence and ability to perform its duties.