On Palestinian Teachers’ Day, Ministry of Education says 200 teachers and staff were killed in Gaza

RAMALLAH: On the occasion of Palestinian Teachers' Day, which coincides today, the Ministry of Education said in a statement that more than 200 teachers and educational staff have been killed in the 69-day-long Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. 'As we remember the teachers martyred in the Gaza Strip, let us take a moment to salute the Palestinian teachers who dedicate their lives to nurture our students; enriching their minds and shaping the future at the same time,' said the Ministry. 'This day arrives amidst very challenging circumstances. In the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, the Israeli occupation persists in targeting the Palestinian teachers, and the education sector in general. As we write this, more than 200 teachers and educational staff have been killed in the Gaza Strip over the last two months. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, dozens of teachers have been arrested and hundreds are prevented from reaching their schools, not to mention the daily harassment of teachers, especially in J erusalem, the Jordan Valley, and Masafer Yatta,' it said. The Education Ministry stressed that 'despite all of these challenges, Palestinian teachers continue to demonstrate their dedication and commitment, both within classroom walls and online; proving that their will can never be conquered. Teachers in the Gaza Strip continue to educate students even while being in sheltering centers; while their peers in Jerusalem play a pivotal role in safeguarding the authenticity of the Palestinian curriculum and narrative. And, all over Palestine, teachers choose education as a means to liberation and to confront all attempts to undermine the Palestinian national identity.' On this occasion, the Ministry renewed its call on international institutions, particularly UNESCO, 'to assume their responsibilities in protecting the Palestinian teachers and the Palestinian education sector from the incessant campaign targeting them,' and 'to safeguard their wellbeing and rights, matching the support extended to educators glob ally.' Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA