Israeli occupation forces stormed schools in the Shuafat refugee camp, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, on Thursday, and issued military orders mandating the evacuation and closure of the schools. They demanded that students and teaching staff leave the area immediately, as the decision to close six UNRWA schools went into effect.

The Jerusalem Governorate said in a statement on Thursday that Israeli police forces stormed the school's surroundings and grounds, amid heightened tensions and fears of attacks on students and teachers. This comes as part of a systematic Israeli escalation against Palestinian educational institutions in the city.

On April 8, the occupation authorities issued a decision to three schools in the Shuafat refugee camp, and one school in each of Sur Baher, Silwan, and Wadi al-Joz, prohibiting anyone from entering the school building after May 8, 2025, including principals, teachers, staff, and parents.

UNRWA stated that the occupation's implementation of its decision to close the six schools would deprive 800 children of their right to education, which constitutes a violation of Israel's obligations under international law.

In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed a law banning the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Israel.