Palestinian students strike as Israel bans access to West Bank teachers

"Israel limits the ability of teachers from the West Bank to travel to occupied East Jerusalem. At least 25,000 students in occupied East Jerusalem are taking part in a strike after Israel prevented access to teachers from the occupied West Bank. The strike was called by the General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem and later joined by all private schools in East Jerusalem."

"It follows Israel's decision to limit the number of days on which work permits are granted to teachers from the West Bank. Under Israeli rules, Palestinians must obtain a permit from the Israeli military to cross checkpoints separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative party, said on Wednesday that 13 Christian schools were taking part in the strike and others were preparing to do the same."

"The reason goes deeper than just the issue of the teachers. It reflects dismay about the Israeli-imposed illegal rules, he wrote on X without elaborating. The Times of Israel quoted Richard Zananiri, director of the private St George's School, as saying the restrictions affect more than half of the roughly 300 teachers employed across all private schools in the city."

Israeli restrictions on work permits have limited the number of days West Bank teachers may enter occupied East Jerusalem, prompting a strike involving at least 25,000 students. The General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions called the strike, which was later joined by private schools across East Jerusalem. Thirteen Christian schools participated, with others preparing to join. School directors say the restrictions affect more than half of roughly 300 private-school teachers in the city and have left children home while authorities and school leaders hold discussions to resume activities. Palestinian officials labeled the move a violation of the right to education and a policy undermining Palestinian identity. Israeli media also reported closures of six UNRWA-run schools amid broader tensions.

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