Education International Condemns Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Universities – Education International

Report on Violent Raids on Palestinian Universities and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Education International (EI) has strongly condemned the violent raids conducted by Israeli forces on two major Palestinian universities in the West Bank on 9 December. These actions have significant implications for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Details of the Incident

1. At approximately 4:00 a.m., Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University, north of Ramallah, arresting and detaining five university security guards.
2. Shortly thereafter, troops entered Al-Quds University on the outskirts of Jerusalem, deploying snipers on rooftops.
3. The military operations forced both campuses to suspend all activities as armed forces took control, assaulted staff, and caused damage to the facilities.

Violation of International Norms and Impact on Education

These actions constitute a blatant violation of international norms and conventions that protect educational institutions. Universities should remain safe spaces to foster critical and independent thinking and to harness knowledge, even during conflict. The attacks undermine the fundamental right to education and exacerbate the humanitarian and educational crisis in Palestine, directly impacting SDG 4.

• Support for the Palestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees (PFUUPE) is emphasized to defend academic freedom and protect education rights.
• The attacks threaten the safety and well-being of academic staff and students.

Broader Context: Impact on Education in Palestine

1. The ongoing conflict severely disrupts life and learning for Palestinian children and youth, undermining SDG 4 and SDG 16.
2. According to United Nations data:
   • More than 637,000 school-aged children in Gaza have lacked sustained access to formal, in-person education for two years, resulting in severe learning loss.
   • As of July 2025, 97% of Gaza’s school buildings had been targeted by Israeli military actions, with nearly half completely destroyed.
   • 92% of schools require explosive clearance and major reconstruction.

Education International’s Response and Commitment

• EI expresses deep alarm over the continuation of military operations despite the ceasefire and peace agreement reached in Gaza in October.
• EI stands in unwavering solidarity with students, teachers, academics, and education support personnel in Palestine.
• EI remains committed to supporting its affiliates in Palestine:
  • General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT)
  • General Union of Workers in Kindergarten and Private Schools (GUWKPS)
  • Palestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees (PFUUPE)
• EI pledges to provide assistance to meet evolving needs on the ground, contributing to SDG 4 and SDG 10.

Guiding Principles: Schools Shall Be Safe Sanctuaries

The Education International declaration, Schools Shall Be Safe Sanctuaries, condemns violent attacks on educational institutions and calls for the protection of teachers, pupils, scientists, students, and education workers. This declaration should serve as a guiding document during times of war and conflict, supporting the realization of SDG 16 and SDG 4.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article highlights attacks on educational institutions, disruption of learning, and the denial of the right to education, directly relating to SDG 4’s focus on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The violent raids and military operations represent conflict and violations of international norms, connecting to SDG 16’s aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice, and build effective institutions.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article mentions the safety and well-being of teachers and students being undermined, which relates to SDG 3’s goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4 Targets
   • 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
   • 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
2. SDG 16 Targets
   • 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 3 Targets
   • 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Education Access and Infrastructure Indicators
   • Number and percentage of schools and universities attacked or damaged (e.g., “97% of Gaza’s school buildings had been targeted,” “nearly half completely destroyed”).
   • Number of children lacking sustained access to formal, in-person education (e.g., “more than 637,000 school-aged children in Gaza have lacked sustained access for two years”).
   • Percentage of schools requiring explosive clearance and reconstruction (e.g., “92% of schools require explosive clearance and major reconstruction”).
2. Safety and Well-being Indicators
   • Incidents of violence against educational staff and students (e.g., arrests, assaults on staff, deployment of snipers).
   • Disruption of educational activities (e.g., suspension of all campus activities during raids).
3. Conflict and Peace Indicators
   • Frequency and scale of military operations impacting educational institutions despite ceasefire agreements.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ei-ie.org