On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Israeli settlers launched a violent attack on the Zanuta Elementary Co-Ed School, located east of Al-Thahiriya town in southern Hebron, occupied West Bank. Witnesses reported that the Israeli settlers destroyed renovated parts of the school, stole its furniture and fixtures—including iron doors, panels, and classroom dividers—and severely damaged the school’s structure. This is part of an ongoing pattern of harassment and forced displacement in Zanuta, where Israeli forces and settlers have repeatedly attacked educational facilities and homes.
Repeated attacks: This is not the first time the school was attacked. In November 2023, Israeli settlers burned and destroyed the school, contributing to the forced displacement of over 250 villagers.
Key Considerations
• Education is a fundamental right and must be protected at all times, including during times of conflict and occupation. Under international law, Israel as the occupying power must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
• Attacks on schools are grave violations under the CAAC mandate that demand immediate investigation and accountability.
• The international community must act to ensure the protection of Palestinian schools and students and uphold commitments under the Safe Schools Declaration and International Law.
Calls for Action
• Speak out against attacks on education.
• Support and fund efforts to protect schools and vulnerable communities, including deployment of protective presence missions to vulnerable schools like Zanuta.
• Pressure the Government of Israel to fulfill its obligations to protect civilian infrastructure, including schools, in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• Support and fund rapid rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts for destroyed schools to guarantee children's uninterrupted access to education.