More than 700 schools in Palestine could close their doors due to the decisions of Donald Trump

The conflict in the Middle East leaves hundreds of children die every year and those who survive can not have a normal childhood. According to figures from the Free Palestine organization, at least half a million infants who are refugees in Palestine could be left without education due to the cut in humanitarian aid imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

Leer en español: Medio Oriente: La educación peligra para los niños que viven el conflicto

According to a statement from the US Department of State, $ 300 million was cut in funds earmarked to help Palestine refugees in the Middle East. A decision that puts at risk more than 700 schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

As detailed by UNRWA, 54% of the money provided by the United States was allocated to education in the Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian territory, and allowed the literacy of 526 thousand children who were also given endowments of school utensils, food within schools and health services.

Reports from the UNRWA report that 80% of families in the territory could not send their children to schools without the help of the agency. Data that alarms the agency since they believe that without the funds the 711 schools would have to close their doors. As UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness told the AFP news agency, "by the end of September, UNRWA will be blank for all its services, including schools and medical facilities" and there will be "not enough money to maintain the open schools. "

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Humanitarian aid or terrorist plot?

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was formed in 1949 after 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled during the war that was unleashed in 1948 with the creation of Israel. Since then, UNRWA has tried to guarantee the basic rights of refugees at different times and conflicts, helping to date three million people throughout the Middle East.

The United States has always been the main individual donor of resources for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). During 2017, the United States contributed more than 350 million dollars to finance services through UNRWA. However, so far in 2018, the country administered by Donald Trump has only granted 65 million dollars.

For Israel, UNRWA has been responsible for harboring terrorists and allowing Palestinians to continue with "refugee" status without requiring it. As Donald Trump's chief advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner recently stated, UNRWA "perpetuates a status quo, is corrupt and does not help peace," adding that "it is important to have a sincere effort to disrupt UNRWA."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggests maintaining funding for Palestinian refugees but not through UNRWA but through the UN's main refugee agency, UNHCR. While the dispute of powers continues, 526 thousand children run the risk of losing their right to education, as their right to life has already been taken away from them.

LatinAmerican Post | Krishna Jaramillo

Translated from: 'Medio Oriente: La educación peligra para los niños que viven el conflicto'