What drives this wave of violence? A combination of settler aggression and Israeli military actions has created an environment where schools become battlegrounds. Aws was shot amid increasing incidents where Israeli settlers have attacked schools, disrupting the educational process and instilling fear among students and their families.

Key facts:

• Aws was shot in the head by an Israeli reservist just outside his school.
• This incident follows a recent surge in settler violence that has targeted both schools and students across the region.
• Classes at Mughayyir were suspended for a week after Aws and another student, Jihad Abu Naim, were killed.
• Following Aws’s death, settlers demolished a British- and European-funded school for Palestinian children.
• The UN reports that attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 792 teachers and 18,639 students.

The impact is profound. “We want to go back to school, but our families are worried,” said Ahmed Abu Ali, a friend of Aws. This sentiment echoes through the community as parents grapple with fears for their children’s safety while trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy in their lives.

But it’s not just about immediate violence; there’s a systemic issue at play. The Israeli military has historically disrupted education in Mughayyir by establishing checkpoints that intimidate students. These actions contribute to what many see as a broader strategy aimed at erasing Palestinian identity and culture—an act some describe as ethnic cleansing.

Voices from the ground:

• Tariq Hathaleen, a local resident, stated: “This path is not just a road; it is the lifeline that connects our children to their education and to a sense of normal life.”
• James Elder from UNICEF emphasized that “these attacks on the education of Palestinian children are not isolated incidents.”
• B’Tselem remarked on how “Israeli militias raid Palestinian villages to provoke confrontation,” which often leads to lethal responses against those defending their homes.

The situation remains fluid. As international attention shifts toward other conflicts, the plight of Palestinian students continues to be overshadowed. The next steps for both local communities and global advocates remain uncertain as they navigate these turbulent waters while seeking justice and safety for future generations.

The post They will kill you: Will They Kill You? The Impact of Violence on Palestinian Education appeared first on Newsduniya.