Gaza: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has condemned the Israeli occupation forces' demolition of part of Shaab al-Butum Basic Mixed School in the Yatta Directorate, describing it as a new crime against Palestinian education and students. This act is considered a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and international conventions that guarantee the right to education and prohibit attacks on educational institutions.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Ministry highlighted that the school serves 59 male and female students from kindergarten through the 11th grade. For years, it has been a crucial institution ensuring access to education for children in the community. The Ministry emphasized that the targeting of the school is part of a systematic policy aimed at undermining the educational process, increasing pressure on Palestinian communities, and depriving children of their fundamental right to learn.
The Ministry has called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to oppose such practices and work to ensure the protection of children's and young people's rights to safe and quality education. It stressed the importance of respecting and strengthening international laws and conventions to guarantee equal educational opportunities. Furthermore, the Ministry noted that Israeli occupation authorities have repeatedly targeted schools serving Bedouin communities in Masafer Yatta.