UN human rights experts have condemned Israel’s continued targeting of UN-run schools in Gaza and East Jerusalem, calling them “an assault on children.” The statement came after fresh reports of Israeli forces attacking UNRWA facilities, displacing thousands of students and staff.
On 7 May 2025, Israeli forces reportedly hit an UNRWA school in Gaza twice in one day. The school was sheltering over 2,000 displaced Palestinians. At least 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the strikes.
The UN said nearly three-quarters of school buildings in Gaza have been directly hit since October 2023. Of these, around one-third are UNRWA schools. Satellite data confirms that 95% of Gaza’s schools have suffered damage, leaving most unusable.
Children in Gaza have already lost access to education for more than 19 months. With schools either flattened or unsafe, a whole generation faces a future without formal learning. Experts stressed that girls are particularly affected, with long-term consequences for their education, health and empowerment.
In East Jerusalem, attacks continued on 8 May. Heavily armed Israeli soldiers stormed three UNRWA schools in the Shu’fat refugee camp during school hours. Over 550 Palestinian children, some as young as six, were forcibly evicted from their classrooms. One UNRWA staff member was also detained.
By the end of the day, all six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem were evacuated.
The UN experts said these actions violated international law. They reminded that the International Court of Justice has ruled Israel is obligated to dismantle its occupation. In the meantime, Israel remains bound by humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on schools and other civilian infrastructure.
The UN also condemned the harassment of staff and forcible removal of children from UN premises. They called this a breach of the inviolability of UN facilities.
They added that the targeting of civilians and civilian structures could amount to war crimes. Such actions may also qualify as collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law.
At least 300 UN personnel, mostly UNRWA aid workers, have been killed since the conflict intensified in October 2023.
The UN experts called on Israel to withdraw troops, dismantle settlements, and facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians. They emphasised the right to self-determination and the prohibition on acquiring territory by force as core principles of international law.
They also urged the international community to ensure the protection of Palestinian children and uphold their right to life and education.
“Education is never a target,” the experts said. “Children must be protected, not punished.”
