West Bank Education Disruptions Nearly Double in Third Quarter of 2026

The Education Cluster recorded 185 education-related incidents across the West Bank and East Jerusalem between July and September 2026, marking a 99% increase compared to the same period in 2025. These disruptions affected 149 schools, 26,475 students, and 1,512 staff members. The start of the 2026/27 academic year in September saw a sharp concentration of activity, with 168 incidents reported that month alone—a 205% rise over September 2025. Access restrictions accounted for 134 of the quarterly incidents, while reports of settler violence climbed to 31, up from six the previous year. Geographically, Nablus and Salfit were the most affected areas, and incidents within Area C rose to 48% of the total. The cumulative effect resulted in the loss of over 52,709 class-minutes, further straining the ability of schools to maintain consistent instruction and address existing learning gaps.