The future of education for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children is at risk following recent legislative action by Israel. The new laws target the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main provider of schooling in Gaza and the West Bank. This move threatens to leave over 350,000 students without access to education, raising alarms about a severe humanitarian crisis and further instability in the region.
The Scale of UNRWA’s Educational Footprint
For decades, UNRWA has been the backbone of the education system for Palestinian refugee communities. The agency provides a structured learning environment for children affected by ongoing conflict, offering them a semblance of normalcy and hope. Before the recent escalations, UNRWA was responsible for educating nearly half of all school-aged children in Gaza.
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, has stressed the agency’s vital role. He noted that UNRWA is the only UN body that directly operates schools in the region, ensuring that students are taught a curriculum that includes human rights, tolerance, and non-violence. This educational approach is crucial in promoting peace in a region marked by deep-seated tensions.
The table below illustrates the significant number of students who depend on UNRWA for their education in Gaza and the West Bank.
| Region | Number of Students Served |
|---|---|
| Gaza | Over 300,000 |
| West Bank | An Additional 50,000 |
Israel’s Legislative Ban on UNRWA Operations
Tensions reached a new high on October 28, when the Israeli Parliament passed two laws directly targeting UNRWA. These legislative measures effectively prohibit the agency from conducting its operations within Israel and forbid any official contact between Israeli authorities and UNRWA.
This decision creates a direct and immediate threat to the continuity of education for Palestinian children. If the ban is fully enforced, it could lead to the complete collapse of one of the most important support systems for Palestinian communities. For families who have relied on these schools for generations, the ban creates a vacuum with no clear alternative.
A Generation at Risk of Losing an Education
The consequences of dismantling UNRWA’s educational infrastructure are dire. Children in Gaza are already facing the prospect of missing a second consecutive year of school. Without the structure and safety that schools provide, these young people are left vulnerable to the harsh realities of their environment.
Experts and humanitarian leaders warn that denying children an education pushes them toward a future of despair and marginalization. This void can easily be filled by negative influences, creating fertile ground for extremism. Key risks include:
- Increased vulnerability to cycles of poverty and hopelessness.
- Greater exposure to extremist ideologies and recruitment.
- Loss of a safe, structured environment for personal development.
- Long-term damage to future employment and life opportunities.
Education is more than just learning; for these children, it represents a lifeline and a chance to build a life beyond conflict.
The Economic Ripple Effect of Dismantling Schools
Education is a powerful driver of economic stability and resilience. For Palestinian families, UNRWA schools represent a pathway to better employment and financial independence for their children. An educated youth population is better equipped to contribute to their communities and support local economies.
The economic impact of UNRWA’s work is substantial, with a 2021-2022 estimate suggesting a return of around $14 for every $1 invested in its programs. Shutting down these educational avenues would not only harm individual futures but also weaken the overall economic prospects of Palestinian communities, likely increasing their dependence on humanitarian aid and deepening the cycle of poverty.
International Community Urged to Intervene
In response to the crisis, international advocates are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention. Lazzarini has urged the global community to shift its focus from dismantling UNRWA to resolving the root causes of the conflict. He and other experts argue that there is currently no other organization with the capacity, infrastructure, or local trust to fill the void that UNRWA would leave behind.
A coordinated, multilateral effort is seen as essential to protect the educational rights of Palestinian children. This would require commitment from the UN, international donors, and regional partners to ensure that education remains a priority, regardless of the political challenges. The international community faces a critical moment to act in support of a generation whose future hangs in the balance.
