Israeli army demolishes Palestinian school in West Bank

RAMALLAH (AA) – The Israeli army has demolished a Palestinian school in the occupied West Bank for “lacking a license”, according to the Palestinian Education Ministry.

The Israeli authorities demolished Ein Samia School, located east of Ramallah, a ministry statement said.

The ministry condemned the operation, saying that it “comes with the approaching start of the new school year, which means that students in this Bedouin community are deprived of their right to education.”

Witnesses told the media that an Israeli force “stormed the Ein Samia community and began dismantling the school, which was built of tin.”

The school falls within Area C which constitutes 61% of the West Bank and is under Israel’s security and administrative control.

The school was established before the start of the last academic year, with European support.

The Israeli authorities prohibit construction or land reclamation without “permits” from the Zionist state in Area C. However, these “permits” are almost impossible to obtain, given the tough conditions and requirements. Several international human rights groups have protested against the “permits” and the demolition of public buildings on that pretext.

Under the 1995 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the West Bank including East Jerusalem was divided into three areas — A, B, and C.

Area C, which represents 61% of the West Bank, is under Israel’s civil and security control.

The demolition of schools by Israel deprives thousands of children of a fundamental right and a hope for the future as they struggle to to survive in poverty and insecurity due to Israeli restrictions and relentless attacks in the area.