The shooting of Aws al-Naasan, a 14-year-old boy, occurred early Tuesday outside his school in Mughayyir village. This incident highlights the escalating violence against Palestinian education in the occupied West Bank.
Aws was shot in the head by an Israeli reservist while he was on his way to class. His death adds to a troubling pattern of settler violence targeting schools and students.
Classes at Mughayyir boys’ secondary school have been suspended for a week following this tragedy and the recent killings of another student, Jihad Abu Naim. Local sources report that Israeli settlers attacked and demolished a British- and European-funded school shortly after Aws was killed.
The situation in Mughayyir is dire. Israeli forces frequently disrupt education by setting up checkpoints that intimidate students. Reports indicate that since the beginning of hostilities, at least 792 teachers and 18,639 students have been killed in Gaza.
Key incidents:
- Aws al-Naasan was shot early Tuesday.
- Classes suspended for a week following his death.
- Israeli settlers demolished a funded school shortly thereafter.
Ahmed Abu Ali, a friend of Aws, expressed fear about returning to school: “We want to go back to school, but our families are worried.” His sentiment reflects widespread anxiety among students and parents alike.
Tariq Hathaleen, a local resident, emphasized the importance of safe routes for children: “This path is not just a road; it is the lifeline that connects our children to their education.”
As tensions continue to rise, James Elder from UNICEF stated, “These attacks on the education of Palestinian children are not isolated incidents.” The implications for educational access are severe and ongoing.
