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Israeli forces raided six UN-run schools in occupied East Al-Quds on Thursday while continuing a deadly military campaign across the Gaza Strip, where at least 10 Palestinians were killed in fresh airstrikes.
According to a statement from the Al-Quds Governorate, Israeli soldiers entered the schools in the Shu’afat refugee camp to enforce military closure orders, demanding the immediate evacuation of students and staff. The closures were described as “part of a systematic Israeli escalation against Palestinian educational institutions” in the city.
The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned that the shutdown would deprive around 800 Palestinian students of access to education. Israeli authorities ordered the schools to close by May 8, citing licensing issues, and barred entry to all staff and students.
The closures are widely viewed as part of a broader Israeli campaign against UNRWA. In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed laws banning the agency’s operations within Israel and occupied territories. These laws took effect on January 30. Israel also accused UNRWA staff of involvement in a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023—a claim the U.N. agency denies.
Fresh strikes leave more dead in Gaza
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepened as new Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks killed at least 10 Palestinians on Thursday. The fatalities come just a day after 100 people were killed in a 24-hour span.
Victims were reported in Deir al-Balah, the Nuseirat refugee camp, Shujaiya, and Beit Lahia. In Khan Younis, Israeli shelling hit tents sheltering displaced civilians, killing a girl and injuring four others. Two fishermen were also injured by Israeli naval fire off the coast.
Israeli forces continued to destroy homes in Rafah and Gaza City. Since October 7, 2023, more than 52,600 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza health authorities.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Separately, Israel is also the subject of a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
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