As barbed wire blocks kids from class, Palestinians stage ‘Freedom School’
Summary
Children from the Bedouin community of Umm al-Khair in the Israeli-occupied West Bank have been blocked from reaching their school by a barbed wire fence erected near an Israeli settlement. Despite peaceful protests and attempts to use their usual path, Israeli soldiers have prevented access, forcing the community to start a “Freedom School” near the barrier.Key Facts
- The school route in Umm al-Khair has been blocked by a barbed wire fence for over 40 days.
- Children as young as five were met with tear gas and sound grenades when trying to bypass the fence.
- The fence was erected at night by settlers without legal permission, and Israeli soldiers have refused to remove it.
- The affected path has been in use since 1980 and is officially recognized on Israeli and Palestinian maps.
- The fence also blocks access to a nearby health clinic and mosque used by the community.
- Umm al-Khair faces demolition orders by Israeli authorities due to lack of building permits, which are rarely granted to Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank.
- The community has organized a “Freedom School” protest where children study and sing near the fence while soldiers observe.
- A large Star of David was built by settlers on the side of the fence facing the Palestinians.
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