Over 12,900 Palestinian students killed by Israel in ongoing violence
- In 2024, the UN reported the highest number of illegal Israeli settler-related incidents in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in nearly two decades.
- These incidents have led to significant casualties among Palestinians and increased displacements due to violence.
- The escalating violence and humanitarian crisis raise urgent calls for international attention and action.
Since October 7, 2023, the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, especially affecting the Palestinian populace. Reports indicate that the UN has documented a record number of incidents involving illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, amounting to approximately 1,400 incidents in 2024 alone, which averages nearly four incidents daily. These incidents often lead to casualties among Palestinians and systematic destruction of property, including orchards vital for their livelihoods. The situation has also resulted in immense fatalities, with more than 480 Palestinians, including a substantial number of children, reported killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the start of the conflict. These fatalities are compounded by the fact that Israeli military operations have intensified, utilizing tactics that resemble warfare, including airstrikes in regions that witness high concentrations of Palestinian civilians. The ongoing violence has escalated following a military operation by Hamas on Israeli territory on the same date, further deteriorating the situation between the two sides. Education has taken a severe toll as well, with significant numbers of students and teachers killed or injured, nearing 13,000 fatalities among students since October 7 last year. The destruction includes 425 educational facilities and widespread trauma among the young populace, severely disrupting their education and mental health. Over 788,000 students remain unable to attend educational institutions due to the ongoing military actions. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen, as thousands are displaced and basic necessities become increasingly scarce. Human rights organizations have reported alarming figures, noting that a majority of those affected are women and children. As conditions remain dire, international calls for accountability and urgent humanitarian intervention grow louder, with the International Court of Justice examining accusations against Israel regarding the ongoing military assault and claims of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.