Palestinian children deserve security, not only education: UN

RAMALLAH, Palestine

UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in the occupied Palestinian territories, Lynn Hastings, said Monday that the Palestinian children deserve to live in security and safety, not only to have education.

"Children not only have a right to a safe education but are afforded special protections under international human rights in view of their specific vulnerability," Hastings said in a statement.

According to the UN official, 79 Palestinian children have been killed and 1,269 others injured since the beginning of 2021.

"Sixty seven children were killed in the Gaza Strip during the recent escalation and another in June by an Explosive Remnant of War" by Israel, Hastings said, adding that another 11 Palestinian children were killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Hastings held Israel responsible for protecting "children and teachers from harassment and violence by [Israeli] settlers on their way to and from school."

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authority announced the start of the academic year amid health protocols against the coronavirus pandemic.
Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara