Researcher Eman Bekhit, specializing in Israeli affairs, reported that Israeli actions against Palestinian children have severe consequences, including undermining their right to safe education and impacting the stability of Palestinian society. These actions not only disrupt schooling but also deepen citizens' feelings of insecurity, particularly in areas experiencing repeated attacks from settlers and increased settlement pressures.
According to Palestinian reports published on October 4, 2026, Israeli settlers attacked students from the Huwara Secondary School, south of Nablus, while they were heading to school. This incident highlights the extended risks faced by students, including the danger of reaching their schools. The report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on September 11 documented 224 education-related incidents in the first half of 2026, affecting 152 schools and over 20,000 students.
OCHA's report also noted that 84 schools in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are under demolition or stop-work orders, leaving thousands of students with an uncertain educational future. The disruption of education is further complicated by Israeli raids and movement restrictions. For instance, OCHA reported on September 25 that school activities were suspended in Ramallah and Jerusalem's suburbs on September 21, and two UNRWA schools serving over 450 students were temporarily closed during operations in Nablus refugee camps.
The political implications of these developments are significant, as they weaken the Palestinian population's ability to maintain their normal lives in affected areas. Families facing fears for their children's safety on the way to school, coupled with difficulties in accessing work and services, are under cumulative pressure that may force them to leave. Protecting education is crucial for supporting the population's resilience, alongside safeguarding their homes and livelihoods.
Eman Bekhit also addressed the British stance on these issues, noting that accusations of double standards have been levied against the UK due to perceived differences in its approach to the Israeli occupation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The real test of the British government's credibility lies in its ability to translate its stated positions into effective actions, holding perpetrators accountable and supporting the protection of students and teachers.
The continuation of violations despite repeated international condemnations raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness of international positions in changing the reality on the ground for Palestinians. The researcher emphasized that defending the two-state solution begins with protecting the basic elements of Palestinian life, including education, housing, and freedom of movement.
Ultimately, the protection of Palestinian children's rights to education and security is essential for the stability of Palestinian society and the future of the two-state solution. International actions and statements will be closely watched for their impact on the ground.
Key points
- 224 incidents against Palestinian children documented.
- 84 schools under demolition or stop-work orders.
- Education disruption impacts over 20,000 students.
