Palestinian Children Return to School Amid Threat of Israeli Demolition

Palestinian children in Masafer Yatta, in the southern occupied West Bank, are preparing to return to school amid fears that their only school could be completely demolished.

Shaab al-Butum Primary School has already lost two administrative rooms and a storage room after Israeli forces demolished parts of the building on August 4, 2026. The remaining structure is also facing a demolition threat, with a court hearing scheduled for September 15.

The United Nations says Israel has cited the lack of Israeli-issued building permits as the reason for the demolitions. Palestinians in Area C of the occupied West Bank, which is under Israeli administrative and military control, face significant difficulties obtaining such permits.

Students at the school have expressed fear and sadness over the possibility of losing their school. Some worry that Israeli forces could return to destroy what remains of the building.

Local officials and activists say the threat extends beyond one school. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, 84 Palestinian schools serving nearly 13,000 students are currently facing demolition or stop-work orders.

Officials say schools in Masafer Yatta are particularly vulnerable, with all seven schools in the wider area reportedly under threat.

Activists also say settler violence has increased insecurity for students and teachers. They argue that attacks and demolition threats disrupt education while also affecting housing, movement and livelihoods.

Amir Dawoud, a senior official with the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, said the impact begins before a school is actually demolished, creating psychological and educational disruption for students, teachers and their families.

For children in Masafer Yatta, the new school year therefore begins with uncertainty over whether their classrooms—and their education—will still be available in the future.

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