Elementary school of Ein Samiya demolished

Press briefing by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General

“From the occupied Palestinian territory, our humanitarian colleagues there just informed us that, today, an elementary school for Palestinian children ages 6 to 12 was demolished in the West Bank area of Ein Samiya, just a few days before the start of the school year.

“According to UNICEF, three schools have been demolished across the West Bank in the last 12 months, impacting 78 students.

“The school served pupils from the few Palestinian families remaining in the herding community of Ein Samiya, following the displacement of most of the community amid settler violence and diminishing grazing land.

“We and our partners are currently assessing the urgent needs of 60 communities facing similar challenges.”

In response to questions, the spokesperson noted that "our humanitarian colleagues have been working with these communities to see what support they can bring."

He added that "the issue of protection is one that is raised with the Israeli authorities on a regular basis."

"We are against the demolition of schools," he concluded.

Background from OCHA

UNICEF indicates that some 58 schools across the occupied Palestinian territory are under the threat of demolition by the Israeli authorities.

Since 2022, OCHA has recorded the displacement of at least 477 Palestinians from seven herding communities. Three of these communities are now empty.