rki.news | Sources Xinhua
RAMALLAH, Sept. 20 (Xinhua): For Palestinian children in the West Bank, the daily journey to school has become increasingly difficult because of movement restrictions and security concerns.
In Qasra, a northern West Bank town, mother Ataa Odeh watches her four-year-old daughter board a school bus each morning. The short journey has become a source of anxiety because of nearby Israeli forces and settlers.
Qasra Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi said a barrier near the town entrance has affected education and prevented some children from reaching schools.
At Martyr Yasser Arafat Basic Mixed School, Principal Dalia Odeh said military operations and attacks by settlers have raised concerns over students’ arrival and departure.
According to UNICEF, 224 education-related incidents were recorded in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the first half of 2026, affecting more than 20,000 students.
Teachers and residents said Palestinian public schools are currently operating three days a week amid financial difficulties and movement restrictions.
Students in other West Bank communities also described fear and difficulties reaching school, with some schools arranging longer bus routes to avoid roadblocks and reported attacks.
News number 06 words 195West Bank Children Face Growing Barriers on School Journeys
