AMMAN, JORDAN (HRNW) — More than 830,000 children are returning to schools across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as the new academic year begins amid violence, displacement, movement restrictions and growing threats to children’s right to safe education, UNICEF has warned.
UNICEF reported that at least 224 education-related incidents were documented during the first half of 2026, directly affecting 152 schools, more than 20,450 students and 859 education personnel.
The incidents included events occurring in or around schools and along routes used by children and teachers to reach educational facilities. UNICEF said the continuing insecurity is making it increasingly difficult for many children to attend school safely and consistently.
The agency said 10 Palestinian children were killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, between June and the first week of September 2026. More than 1,700 Palestinian children have also been displaced since the beginning of the year because of settler violence, access restrictions and administrative demolitions.
UNICEF warned that displacement can separate children from their schools, teachers, friends and essential support networks. Prolonged disruption to education can have lasting effects on children’s learning, mental health and future opportunities.
In response, UNICEF and its partners are providing remedial and catch-up education, psychosocial support, transportation assistance and protective measures. The organization is also supporting education-related cash assistance, legal aid, school rehabilitation and efforts to restore safe learning environments.
UNICEF said every child should be able to return to school without fear and urged continued efforts to protect educational facilities, students and teachers from violence and disruption.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on information and statements released by UNICEF and publicly available humanitarian information. HRNW does not independently verify every incident or figure cited in external reports.
