European Union Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič today reiterated demands that Israeli occupation authorities protect schools in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, condemning the recent closure of six East Jerusalem schools affecting 800+ children.

Key Developments:

1. Social Media Statement:

   • Posted on platform X (formerly Twitter)

   • Warned new closures "deny 800+ children their right to education"

   • Stressed: "Schools are hope for the future – we must protect them from targeting"

2. International Context:

   • Escalating attacks on West Bank/East Jerusalem education infrastructure

   • 18 UN-documented school closures since October 2023

   • 4,200+ students displaced this academic year

3. Legal Framework Cited:

   • Geneva Convention IV (Article 50) on protecting civilian education

   • UN Security Council Resolution 2601 (2021) against schools militarization

Direct Quotes:

"Closing six more East Jerusalem schools sabotages children's futures. I reiterate: Israeli authorities must protect schools, not shutter them. Education is foundational hope we must collectively shield."
– Commissioner Lenarčič

Ground Reality:

✔ East Jerusalem: 43% of UNRWA schools face access restrictions
✔ West Bank: 29 attacks on schools documented in 2024 (OCHA reports)
✔ Gaza: 90% schools damaged/destroyed since conflict escalation

Next Steps: The EU will debate emergency education funding at next week's Humanitarian Aid Council session.