Israel withholds revenue from Palestinian schools, limiting access to education

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Palestinian Authority Receives Reduced Funding from Israel

The Palestinian Authority has been facing financial difficulties due to Israel’s withholding of customs revenues over the past two years. The funds, which amount to billions of dollars, are collected by Israel on behalf of the PA and were intended for public services, including education.

As a result, schools in the West Bank have been severely impacted. The Zenabia Elementary School in Nablus has seen its operations reduced significantly, with classes only open three days a week. Teachers have reported not receiving full payment for their work, with salaries reduced to 60% of what they were previously earning.

The school’s principal, Aisha al-Khatib, has expressed concerns about the impact on students’ education. “We do everything we can, but we do not have the time or materials to properly teach our children,” she said. The lack of resources has led to a focus on core subjects such as mathematics, Arabic, and English, with other subjects like science being largely cut from the curriculum.

The effects of these cuts are being felt by students, including 10-year-old Zaid Hasseneh, who is struggling to access educational materials due to the reduced budget. His mother, Eman, works in a factory to support her family after her husband lost his job in Israel due to the country’s revocation of work permits for West Bank Palestinians.

The situation has sparked concerns about the long-term impact on Palestinian students’ education and future prospects. With limited access to resources and reduced funding, many fear that the education system is being severely compromised.

Source: Al Jazeera