Jerusalem: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the recent closure of six UNRWA schools by the Israeli occupation authorities in occupied Jerusalem.
According to Qatar News Agency, this action is emblematic of broader illegal measures aimed at undermining the presence and operational role of UNRWA, particularly in Jerusalem. Such decisions are in direct violation of the United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions.
The OIC has articulated concerns about the implications of these closures, particularly the detrimental impact on Palestinian refugee children's right to education and the potential imposition of the Israeli curriculum, which undermines the educational autonomy of Palestinian students. This reflects a systematic effort by Israel, the occupying Power, to erode the rights and presence of the Palestinian people in East Jerusalem, aligning with a broader strategy to delegitimize the Palestinian refugee issue and infringe upon their inalienable right of return.
The organization has reiterated its call to the international community, urging states to safeguard UNRWA and extend the necessary political, financial, and legal support that will enable the agency to fulfill its essential mandate. This is critical for the welfare of millions of Palestinian refugees and the preservation of their rights in accordance with pertinent United Nations resolutions, including Resolution 194.