At least 25,000 students in East Jerusalem have joined a strike after Israel imposed restrictions preventing teachers from the occupied West Bank from accessing schools in the city. The protest highlights growing concerns over the impact of Israeli military permits on the right to education for Palestinian students in occupied East Jerusalem.

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Strike Coordinated by Christian and Private Schools

The strike was initially organized by the General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem and was later joined by private schools across East Jerusalem. Authorities report that the disruption affects both Christian and non-Christian students, with school administrators emphasizing that the restrictions hinder the educational continuity of thousands of children.

Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative party, said the strike reflects “dismay about the Israeli-imposed illegal rules” and goes beyond the issue of teacher access. Barghouti highlighted that 13 Christian schools have already participated, with others preparing to follow suit.

Richard Zananiri, director of St. George’s School, told The Times of Israel that over half of the roughly 300 teachers across private schools in East Jerusalem are affected by the new permit limitations. “We are not happy that children are staying at home,” he said, noting that discussions with Israeli authorities are ongoing to resume full teaching activities.

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Israeli Restrictions on West Bank Teachers

Under Israeli regulations, Palestinian teachers from the West Bank must obtain a military-issued permit to cross checkpoints separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem. Recently, Israel reduced the number of days these permits are granted, effectively limiting teachers’ access to schools in the city.

The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education condemned the restrictions, calling them a serious violation of students’ rights to education. The ministry accused Israel of pursuing a systematic policy aimed at undermining Palestinian identity in East Jerusalem.

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UNRWA Schools Also Impacted

Israeli media reported that six schools operated by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem have been closed temporarily. Israel has previously accused UNRWA of complicity with Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel, although these claims have never been substantiated with evidence.

In October, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion affirming that Israel, as the occupying power, must support UN humanitarian operations in Gaza, including those led by UNRWA. The ICJ emphasized that Israel is legally obligated to ensure Palestinians’ basic needs are met, including food, water, shelter, fuel, and medical supplies.

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Implications for Palestinian Education and Rights

The current strike is part of a broader pattern of Israeli measures that Palestinian authorities and rights groups argue limit access to education and weaken Palestinian societal structures in East Jerusalem. Educators warn that continued restrictions could exacerbate educational disparities and threaten the future prospects of Palestinian youth.

“Children in East Jerusalem are growing up with constant uncertainty about whether they will have access to their teachers or even be able to attend school,” said one education official.

The strike also raises broader questions about the impact of military permit policies on civil rights under occupation, as Palestinian students and teachers continue to navigate checkpoints and bureaucratic obstacles that restrict mobility and access to education.

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Key Takeaways

• 25,000 students participate in East Jerusalem strike over teacher access.
• Restrictions affect Christian and private schools across the city.
• Israeli military permits limit West Bank teachers’ ability to reach East Jerusalem.
• Palestinian Ministry of Education calls the move a violation of the right to education.
• UNRWA schools also closed, despite ICJ ruling requiring Israel to support Palestinian humanitarian access.