More than 800 Palestinian teachers killed since Gaza war, ministry says

More than 800 Palestinian teachers have been killed and over 3,300 others injured since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, according to the Palestinian Education Ministry.

The ministry issued the figures on Sunday ahead of World Teachers’ Day, observed on October 5. It said teachers across Gaza and the occupied West Bank were facing severe conditions while continuing to protect access to education.

According to the ministry, more than 170 Palestinian teachers are also being held in detention under what it described as harsh conditions.

It said educators in Gaza and the West Bank had faced repeated attacks, restrictions and harassment. Movement restrictions at checkpoints have further affected teachers, particularly in areas including Masafer Yatta, al-Mughayyir, the Jordan Valley and parts of the West Bank classified as Area C.

The ministry also highlighted the financial difficulties faced by Palestinian educators. It said Israel’s withholding of Palestinian tax revenues had contributed to the Palestinian Authority’s financial crisis and affected its ability to fully pay public-sector employees.

These revenues are collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority under existing economic arrangements. Their withholding has reduced the funds available for salaries and essential public services.

The ministry called on the international community, the United Nations and education and human rights organisations to take immediate steps to protect students and education workers.

It also urged teachers’ unions around the world to advocate for the release of detained educators and the payment of withheld financial dues.