Israeli forces have ordered the closure of six United Nations schools in East Jerusalem within 30 days, affecting around 800 students, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and Israel's Ministry of Education.

Israel has long accused UNRWA of harboring Hamas members and promoting anti-Israel sentiment, although a UN inquiry found such biases to be marginal.

Egypt has condemned the closure orders as a violation of international law, asserting that Jerusalem is part of Palestinian territory.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that these closures represent a serious breach of international law and UN resolutions.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with recent Israeli airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties, further complicating the humanitarian crisis.

In response to ongoing concerns about UNRWA, the Israeli Knesset enacted a work ban for the agency's staff on Israeli territory, effective from January 31, 2025.

The Israeli Ministry of Education has directed parents to enroll their children in other schools as the closures are set to take effect.

This decision follows a broader trend, as Israel's parliament had previously passed a law banning UNRWA's activities within Israel, citing security concerns.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described Gaza as a 'Killing Field' due to the lack of humanitarian aid entering the region, which has been halted for over a month.

UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the closure orders, stating they violate the protections afforded to UN institutions under international law.

The law was enacted after claims that a recently released Israeli hostage was held in a UNRWA facility, intensifying scrutiny of the agency's operations.

This ban was prompted by allegations that some UNRWA employees were involved in terrorist activities linked to Hamas.