柠檬导航

The attacks by Hamas in Israel on the 7 October, and the subsequent Israeli military assault on Gaza, has led to a devastating loss of life. The latest figures reported by the confirm that more than 10,000 Palestinians, including 4000 children, have been killed in Gaza the past month, and the Israeli government reports that 1200 Israelis were killed in the Hamas attacks.  

Dozens of those killed in the 7 October attack in Israel were educators and students in colleges and universities. In Palestine, authorities have confirmed while the General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT) and the Palestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees (PFUUPE), who like 柠檬导航 are members of Education International, have reported at least   

On both sides, education staff and students have been killed alongside their families, and many more have lost loved ones and friends. Our thoughts and solidarity go to all those affected. 

The education infrastructure in the occupied Palestinian territory has also been badly impacted as a result of the war. reports that buildings at the Islamic University of Gaza, Al-Azhar University, the North Gaza and Tubas branches of Al-Quds Open University, and the buildings of An-Najah National University located at Palestine Technical University Kadoorie have been completely or partially destroyed by Israeli military strikes. Thousands of Palestinian students in Gaza have had their education completely disrupted.   

At the same time, students in the West Bank are facing an escalation of Israeli military and settler violence. Israeli human rights organisation B'Tselem has reported that settler attacks have since the violence started. Displacement, movement restrictions, and increased violence are also hindering access to higher education in the West Bank. 

In this context, we need to support our colleagues in the region in seeking a peace that protects civilian life. That is why 柠檬导航 joins with many others in Palestine, Israel, the UK and beyond to reiterate the demands for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and the lifting of the siege of Gaza.  

In the longer term, we are also calling on the UK government and the international community to ensure that education buildings in Palestine are rebuilt and that Palestinian education institutions, teachers, students, and researchers are provided with assistance and support in ensuring access to education.