Escalating Violence Against Palestinian Schools in the West Bank

On April 22, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded in the village of Al-Mughayyir, northeast of Ramallah, where armed settlers allegedly opened fire on a school, resulting in the deaths of two individuals: 14-year-old Aws al-Naasan and 32-year-old Jihad Abu Naim. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as gunfire erupted while students were outside during recess. Bassam Abu-Assaf, the principal of the school, reported that at least five armed settlers approached the village and began shooting. The Israeli military claimed that the incident was provoked by rocks thrown at a vehicle carrying Israeli passengers, including a reserve soldier who allegedly returned fire.

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This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence against Palestinian schools and students in the West Bank. Activists report that Al-Mughayyir has been subjected to near-daily attacks by settlers. In a separate incident, settlers bulldozed a school in Hammamat al-Maleh, located in the northern Jordan Valley, despite its proximity to an Israeli military base, which did not intervene. Local activists have described this demolition as part of a systematic violation of Palestinian children's right to education.

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In addition to the shooting in Al-Mughayyir, settlers have also erected razor wire near the village of Umm al-Khair, obstructing the route to school for young students. Community leader Khaleel Alhathaleen emphasized that this closure severely impedes the educational process and violates the children's freedom of movement. Despite the presence of Israeli soldiers during these incidents, there has been no reported intervention to protect the children or address the settlers' actions.

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The Mayor of Al-Mughayyir, Amin Abu Alia, confirmed that settlers, accompanied by soldiers, initiated the shooting towards the school. The Palestinian health ministry has attributed the fatalities to "settler gunfire." While the Israeli military has stated that it is investigating the incidents, there is skepticism regarding accountability, as previous investigations have often resulted in no arrests.

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Critics argue that the lack of accountability for settler violence contributes to a climate of fear and insecurity for Palestinian communities. Activists have condemned the ongoing attacks as part of a broader strategy to undermine Palestinian education and rights. The Jordan Valley activist group highlighted the demolition of the school in Hammamat al-Maleh as indicative of a systematic effort to deny Palestinian children their right to education.

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There are discrepancies in accounts regarding the circumstances of the shooting in Al-Mughayyir. While the Israeli military claims the shooting was a response to provocation, local witnesses and the Palestinian health ministry attribute the deaths directly to settler gunfire. This divergence highlights the complexities and tensions surrounding the ongoing violence in the region.

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• “It was a disaster. Everybody was screaming. It was unbelievable. I’m still processing it. I don’t know how long it will take for the teachers and students to overcome the shock,” — Bassam Abu-Assaf, Principal of Al-Mughayyir School

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• “This road is the main artery upon which the village’s students depend, making its closure a clear violation of their freedom of movement and a direct impediment to the educational process,” — Khaleel Alhathaleen, Community Leader

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• “It is important to emphasize that the destruction of the school in Hammamat ius part of a systematic, serious and ongoing violation of the ability of Palestinian girls and boys to exercise their basic right to education,” — Jordan Valley Activist Group Statement

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As violence continues to escalate, the implications for Palestinian education and community safety remain dire, prompting urgent calls for accountability and protection for vulnerable populations.

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