Israeli forces close Unrwa-run schools in East Jerusalem

The action, which affects hundreds of Palestinian pupils, comes after an Israeli ban on Unrwa this year.

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Hundreds of Palestinian students were sent home from the schools in Shuafat refugee camp just after classes began on Thursday morning.

Unrwa's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, said Israeli authorities were denying children their basic right to learn and accused them of a "blatant disregard of international law".

An Israeli ban on Unrwa took effect earlier this year and Israel accuses the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas. Unrwa denies this claim and insists on its impartiality.

Videos showed girls in uniform hugging each other outside one school in Shuafat following the arrival of Israeli forces outside.