Ankara:Israel has reportedly killed more than 800 Palestinian teachers and injured over 3,300 others since the outbreak of its military actions in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, as stated by the Palestinian Education Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry released this information ahead of World Teachers' Day, highlighting the severe impact on educators in the occupied Palestinian territories. They described the situation as a "real battle for survival" in the face of systematic targeting, emphasizing the broader impact on the education sector in Gaza and the West Bank, which they termed as suffering from "comprehensive genocide."

The statement also noted that more than 170 teachers are currently detained in harsh conditions. The ministry highlighted additional challenges faced by educators, including movement restrictions and harassment at numerous checkpoints, particularly in specific areas such as Masafer Yatta, al-Mughayyir, the Jordan Valley, and Area C, under full Israeli control as per the 1995 Oslo II agreement.

The ministry further pointed out that these abuses are compounded by severe financial hardships. This is largely due to Israel's withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, known as clearance revenues, which are vital for the Palestinian Authority's budget. These funds, accounting for approximately 56% of total Palestinian public revenues, have been deducted or halted since 2019, severely impacting the Authority's ability to meet its financial obligations, including paying public employees' salaries.

The Palestinian Education Ministry has called on the international community, the United Nations, and relevant organizations to take immediate action to address these violations and provide protection for students and educators. It also urged global unions to advocate for the release of detained teachers and the restoration of withheld financial entitlements to ensure the dignity and stability of educators in the region.