Schools in Occupied West Bank Open Despite Israeli Obstacles and Financial Crisis

Kokcha News Agency – Despite ongoing Israeli military operations and a severe financial crisis, schools in the occupied West Bank have opened for the new academic year. Palestinian Education Minister Amjad Barham and other officials attended the opening ceremonies at two schools, one near Ramallah and Al-Bireh and another in Jericho.

Minister Barham, speaking at the Shallal Al-Awja Elementary School in Jericho, highlighted the difficulties faced by the education system. “We are meeting here in this school and in this gathering, which is under attack by settlers, while facing enormous challenges and ongoing attacks on all aspects of life in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank,” Barham said.

He emphasized that education remains a top priority for the Palestinian Authority, thanking teachers for their dedication to students despite Israeli obstacles. Barham also noted that the financial crisis has impacted all areas of life, but virtual schools have been established in the West Bank to provide online classes for students in Gaza, where Israel’s genocide continues.

Challenges in Education
Barham pointed out that 48 schools in the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya have been unable to start the academic year due to Israeli military attacks. Additionally, some schools in Jenin and Tulkarm have been forced to close, and six UNRWA schools in Jerusalem have been shut down by Israeli forces.

Schools Under Threat
Muayyad Shaaban, head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), stated that the Shallal Al-Awja School is one of 40 schools in the West Bank at risk of demolition or forced closure due to Israeli settler attacks.

Shaaban explained that the Shallal Al-Awja community has been targeted by Israeli settlers, who carry out daily attacks, including assaults on farmers and poisoning of livestock.

Student Concerns
Mustafa Muhammad Jabir, a student at the Shallal Al-Awja School, expressed fear that Israeli forces or settlers might destroy their school. “We are afraid they will demolish our school and that we will fall behind in our education,” Jabir said.

Escalating Violence
Since Israel launched its assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, there has been a significant increase in arrests, raids, and attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In January 2024, the Israeli military launched an operation called “Iron Wall” in the Jenin refugee camp, which later expanded to Tulkarm and Tubas, displacing over 40,000 Palestinians.