West Bank School Fears as Settler Attacks Rise
On the first day of the Palestinian school year, Al-Mughayyir school parents and staff grapple with rising settler violence that has claimed young lives.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Al-Mughayyir boys school in the West Bank faces soaring settler-related violence this year.
- Six people have been killed in the village, including three pupils and a 19-year-old school alumnus.
- Barbed wire, reinforced gates, and volunteer parents have been deployed to protect children.
- A UN inquiry notes settler attacks on children are part of a coercive displacement strategy.
On the first day of the new Palestinian school year, the head-teacher of al-Mughayyir boys school arrived at work before dawn, walking past newly installed barbed-wire fencing and reinforced school gates as the sun crept through olive trees deep inside the occupied West Bank.
Six people, including three pupils, have been killed in al-Mughayyir this year amid a surge of settler-related violence against Palestinians. Among them was 14-year-old Aws al-Naasan, who was shot dead outside the school gates in April, escalating deep-seated fears among families in the isolated village.
English teacher Waheed Abu Naem recalled students rushing to his classroom to warn of settlers near the wall. He attempted to move pupils to safety before the gunman opened fire, sending bullets striking the school building while children hid behind classroom walls and on the floor.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Israeli military previously stated that stones were hurled at a car carrying civilians and a reservist soldier, who then exited the vehicle and fired at suspects. Israeli media reported that the reservist was later suspended and an investigation was launched.
"I came because it makes the children feel their parents are with them, that they are safe."
Haroon Bishara, parent
Over the summer, two more pupils were shot dead by Israeli forces during incursions, along with a 19-year-old former student. With three empty desks remaining in classrooms, some parents expressed reluctance to send their children back for the new term.
The escalating incidents in the West Bank highlight the severe humanitarian and security challenges facing local communities. Schools, traditionally sanctuaries for education, have increasingly become focal points of friction, prompting families to take extraordinary grassroots security measures to protect their children.
Source: BBC World
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment