Gaza: UN experts decry ‘systemic obliteration’ of education system
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UN independent human rights experts on Thursday raised alarm over
the “systematic destruction” of the Palestinian education system in
the Gaza Strip, as Israel's military operation continues unabated.
Since the brutal 7 October attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian
militants on southern Israel, and the ensuing military assault by
Israel, over 5,800 students and teachers have been killed and a
further 8,575 have been injured across the enclave. Many others
have been...Request free trial
UN independent human rights experts on Thursday raised alarm over the “systematic destruction” of the Palestinian education system in the Gaza Strip, as Israel's military operation continues unabated. Since the brutal 7 October attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants on southern Israel, and the ensuing military assault by Israel, over 5,800 students and teachers have been killed and a further 8,575 have been injured across the enclave. Many others have been arrested, while attacks on places of learning have left more than 625,000 students without any ability to study. UN schools sheltering civilians displaced from their homes have also come under fire, including some inside Israeli military-designated “safe zones”. Hopes and dreams destroyed “With more than 80 per cent of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed, it may be reasonable to ask if there is an intentional effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system, an action known as ‘scholasticide',” the experts said. The term “scholasticide” refers to the systemic obliteration of education through the arrest, detention or killing of teachers, students and staff, and the destruction of educational infrastructure. The experts called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to protect educational institutions, teachers, and students. “We remind Israel in particular of its obligations to comply with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January,” they said. Devastating long-term impacts The experts, including UN Special Rapporteurs on the right to education and on the situation in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, also warned of the far-reaching impacts of attacks on education in Gaza. “The persistent, callous attacks on educational infrastructure in Gaza have a devastating long-term impact on the fundamental rights of people to learn and freely express themselves, depriving yet another generation of Palestinians of their future,” the experts said. “When schools are destroyed, so too are hopes and dreams.” Not isolated incidents In addition to schools, a further 195 heritage sites, 227 mosques and three churches have also been damaged or destroyed, including the Central Archives of Gaza which catalogued 150 years of history. Israa University, the last remaining university in Gaza was demolished by the Israeli military on 17 January. The experts noted that without a safe place to go to school, women and girls face multifaceted risks, including increased gender-based violence. More than one million Palestinian children in Gaza are now in need of mental health and psychosocial support and will suffer the trauma of this war throughout their lives. “These attacks are not isolated incidents. They present a systematic pattern of violence aimed at dismantling the very foundation of Palestinian society,” the experts said. Independent experts The human rights experts raising the alarm included several UN special rapporteurs and members of human rights working groups. Appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, they work on a voluntary basis, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. There is a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza - Gazans need more aid, and they need it now: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East. Let me start by reiterating that the UK condemns in the strongest terms Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel, as well as its violation of Jordan and Iraq's airspace.The UK continues to call for de-escalation and remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting and upholding stability in the region. Iran's actions do nothing to advance the prospects for peace in Israel and Gaza. President, the UK condemns the October 7th attacks unequivocally and calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all the hostages. The United Kingdom remains resolved to work with international partners to urgently secure an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, and then progress towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire without a return to fighting and loss of life. We also urgently call for the full implementation of resolution 2720, to protect civilians and enable humanitarian assistance. There is a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Gazans need more aid, and they need it now. We welcome Israel's commitments to fully open Ashdod port and the Erez checkpoint – and to increase capacity through the Jordan land corridor. We are resolved that the international community will work with Israel to see these vital changes fully implemented. As my Foreign Secretary made clear during his visit to the region yesterday, we must maintain our focus on getting more aid into Gaza and getting hostages out. For our part, the UK has trebled our aid commitment this financial year. We will keep doing everything we can to get more aid in by land, sea, and air to reach people in desperate need in Gaza. President, we support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We must give the people of the West Bank and Gaza the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. And it needs to be irreversible. This is not entirely in our gift. However, Britain and our partners can help by confirming our commitment to a sovereign, viable Palestinian state. On recognition, this cannot come at the start of the process, but it does not have to be the very end of the process. Our long-standing position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian State at a time that is most conducive to the peace process. That pathway must start with fixing the immediate crisis in Gaza. President, we must focus collectively on the vital elements for a lasting peace. These include:
Finally, President, I would like to address the ongoing settlement expansion and demolition of Palestinian properties in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We are clear that settlements are illegal under international law, and once again urge Israel to halt settlement expansion immediately. The UK remains committed to acting robustly in support of peace and stability in the region. President, let me end by reiterating the UK's commitment to a two-state solution and turning this Council's words into actions. We must work together to make this vision for peace a reality.
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