14 mar 2016
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, announced Sunday that Hanan al-Hroub, a teacher from the Deheishe refugee camp in Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank, was awarded the Global Teacher's Prize on Sunday.
Al-Hroub was selected over 8,000 other competitors from all over the world. Her methods of teaching non-violence through games were highlighted during the selection process.
In a video showing the situation in Deheishe camp and the work of al-Hroub, she stated, “A child will mature quickly here, because the situation we live in here is different than the situation of any child around the world. My husband and children were shot at on their way home from school. My children saw their father injured, which shocked my children and shocked me.
“It transformed my children's behaviors, personalities and academics. I felt that I was alone in getting my children through this. No teachers had helped us get our children back on track. We started inventing games at home …. I decided to help every child that goes through something like this.”
She also stated, “Violence acts as a barrier to us teachers which blocks us from performing our roles....We must teach our children that our only weapon is knowledge and education.”
Her methods involve teaching through teamwork, in games and activities that bring out each student's strengths. Her colleagues point out that she connects with her students at a deep, heartfelt level, and shows them ways to play that are based in learning instead of reflecting the violence of the military occupation they live under.
The award was issued by the Valley Park Foundation. al-Hroub will receive $1 million to assist with the spread of her teaching methods to schools throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In her speech accepting the award, al-Hroub stated,"Teachers work hard to free the childrens' minds from violence and turn it into dialogues of beauty."
The appointed Palestinian Prime Minister of the Fateh party, Rami Hamdallah, stated in response to the award, “Teacher Hanan al-Hroub accomplished the impossible despite of all the obstacles put in front of every Palestinian by the Israeli occupation; she makes us proud.”
Video of Pope Francis announcing the winner of the award.
Al-Hroub was selected over 8,000 other competitors from all over the world. Her methods of teaching non-violence through games were highlighted during the selection process.
In a video showing the situation in Deheishe camp and the work of al-Hroub, she stated, “A child will mature quickly here, because the situation we live in here is different than the situation of any child around the world. My husband and children were shot at on their way home from school. My children saw their father injured, which shocked my children and shocked me.
“It transformed my children's behaviors, personalities and academics. I felt that I was alone in getting my children through this. No teachers had helped us get our children back on track. We started inventing games at home …. I decided to help every child that goes through something like this.”
She also stated, “Violence acts as a barrier to us teachers which blocks us from performing our roles....We must teach our children that our only weapon is knowledge and education.”
Her methods involve teaching through teamwork, in games and activities that bring out each student's strengths. Her colleagues point out that she connects with her students at a deep, heartfelt level, and shows them ways to play that are based in learning instead of reflecting the violence of the military occupation they live under.
The award was issued by the Valley Park Foundation. al-Hroub will receive $1 million to assist with the spread of her teaching methods to schools throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In her speech accepting the award, al-Hroub stated,"Teachers work hard to free the childrens' minds from violence and turn it into dialogues of beauty."
The appointed Palestinian Prime Minister of the Fateh party, Rami Hamdallah, stated in response to the award, “Teacher Hanan al-Hroub accomplished the impossible despite of all the obstacles put in front of every Palestinian by the Israeli occupation; she makes us proud.”
Video of Pope Francis announcing the winner of the award.
10 mar 2016
A number of extremist Israeli settlers infiltrated, on Thursday at dawn, into the al-Khader town, south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, and wrote “Death To Arabs” graffiti on the walls of a Palestinian home, and nearby walls. Soldiers also invaded a school near Bethlehem.
Hassan Brejiyya, the coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in al-Khader, said the illegal settlers wrote the graffiti on the exterior walls of a home belonging to resident Mohannad Sa’ad Salah.
The assailants also hurled stones on the home, while Mohammad Salah, his wife and their daughters, were in their residence.
He added that the graffiti included “Death To Arabs,” and “Leave,” among other threatening statements.
Brejiyya also stated that the settlers cut through the barbed-wire fence, separating al-Khader from Daniel illegal colony, built on Palestinian lands, and wrote the graffiti.
The home has been subject to frequent attacks, over the past seventeen years, especially since the settlers are trying to push the family into leaving their property, so that they can expand their illegal colony.
In addition, at least four Israeli military vehicles, surrounded on Thursday morning a school for boys, in Teqoua’ town, east of Bethlehem, and invaded it.
The soldiers claimed they were looking for Palestinian who allegedly hurled stones on their vehicles; the soldiers left the school later without conducting any arrests.
Hassan Brejiyya, the coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in al-Khader, said the illegal settlers wrote the graffiti on the exterior walls of a home belonging to resident Mohannad Sa’ad Salah.
The assailants also hurled stones on the home, while Mohammad Salah, his wife and their daughters, were in their residence.
He added that the graffiti included “Death To Arabs,” and “Leave,” among other threatening statements.
Brejiyya also stated that the settlers cut through the barbed-wire fence, separating al-Khader from Daniel illegal colony, built on Palestinian lands, and wrote the graffiti.
The home has been subject to frequent attacks, over the past seventeen years, especially since the settlers are trying to push the family into leaving their property, so that they can expand their illegal colony.
In addition, at least four Israeli military vehicles, surrounded on Thursday morning a school for boys, in Teqoua’ town, east of Bethlehem, and invaded it.
The soldiers claimed they were looking for Palestinian who allegedly hurled stones on their vehicles; the soldiers left the school later without conducting any arrests.
5 mar 2016
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Occupation soldiers raided on Wednesday Silwan Boys Secondary School and stormed into classrooms during the second period.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that occupation forces raided Silwan Boys Secondary School and searched classrooms claiming that one student threw stones towards them before entering the school; they detained the 9th grade student Malek Issa Abbasi (14). Witnesses explained to WHIC that the forces took the student outside the school but the school’s surveillance cameras revealed falsified the occupation’s claim as the student arrived to school before the time when they claimed stones were thrown. One of the soldiers filmed the students while storming into classrooms and also filmed the building and school’s corridors. |
Secretary of the Central Committee of students’ parents in Silwan, Isam Abbasi, denounced targeting the schools of Ras Al-Amoud as the forces are stationed around them on a daily basis and continuously attempt to storm into schools which obstructs the educational process and deprives the students from having a calm school day.
Abbasi explained that the soldiers raided the classrooms in Silwan Secondary School under false pretenses only to terrify students; he pointed out that the school has nearly 550 students from 7th-9th grade.
Abbasi appealed for the Ministry of Education and municipality to interfere and prevent the police from daily presence in the Schools’ Street and prevent them from storming into school which has negative consequences on the psyche of students. He noted that this school was raided several times and one student was previously arrested from inside the school not to mention the constant targeting of schools with sound grenades and tear-gas canisters.
Abbasi explained that the soldiers raided the classrooms in Silwan Secondary School under false pretenses only to terrify students; he pointed out that the school has nearly 550 students from 7th-9th grade.
Abbasi appealed for the Ministry of Education and municipality to interfere and prevent the police from daily presence in the Schools’ Street and prevent them from storming into school which has negative consequences on the psyche of students. He noted that this school was raided several times and one student was previously arrested from inside the school not to mention the constant targeting of schools with sound grenades and tear-gas canisters.
2 mar 2016
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) on early Wednesday morning knocked down the only Palestinian school in Khirbet Tana, in eastern Nablus city.
Speaking to a PIC correspondent by phone, activist Munadel Hanani said the IOA demolished the only school in Khirbet Tana, along with a set of civilian structures and agricultural barracks.
According to Hanani, Israeli army troops, escorted by military jeeps, rolled into Khirbet Tana at the early morning hours and carried out the demolition without prior notification.
The activist added that over recent months Khirbet Tana has been subjected to abrupt Israeli assaults and vandalism.
Speaking to a PIC correspondent by phone, activist Munadel Hanani said the IOA demolished the only school in Khirbet Tana, along with a set of civilian structures and agricultural barracks.
According to Hanani, Israeli army troops, escorted by military jeeps, rolled into Khirbet Tana at the early morning hours and carried out the demolition without prior notification.
The activist added that over recent months Khirbet Tana has been subjected to abrupt Israeli assaults and vandalism.
29 feb 2016
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) and police distributed administrative demolition orders targeting two Palestinian buildings in the Shu’fat refugee camp, near the Israeli illegal settlement of Ramat Shlomo.
Hussein Aziza from the Shu’fat refugee camp said he was shocked when he found the demolition order pasted on his house door at an early morning hour.
He said his two-story house was built in 1991.
Meanwhile, Israeli municipal teams, escorted by policemen, sprayed a Palestinian school in al-Sahl area, in the Shu’fat refugee camp, with white cement.
Instructor Hanadi Abdul Rahman said the Israeli municipal staff sprayed even the pictures drawn by schoolchildren to decorate the walls. An Israeli municipal team escorted by occupation soldiers also removed pictures drawn on the walls of the Wadi Helwa neighborhood, in Silwan.
Hussein Aziza from the Shu’fat refugee camp said he was shocked when he found the demolition order pasted on his house door at an early morning hour.
He said his two-story house was built in 1991.
Meanwhile, Israeli municipal teams, escorted by policemen, sprayed a Palestinian school in al-Sahl area, in the Shu’fat refugee camp, with white cement.
Instructor Hanadi Abdul Rahman said the Israeli municipal staff sprayed even the pictures drawn by schoolchildren to decorate the walls. An Israeli municipal team escorted by occupation soldiers also removed pictures drawn on the walls of the Wadi Helwa neighborhood, in Silwan.
27 feb 2016
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided Friday afternoon Abu Nawar Bedouin hamlet, east of Jerusalem, and confiscated two tents used for teaching children of Bedouins in the area.
The representative of Abu Nawar hamlet, Abu Imad Jahalin, told Quds Press that the occupation troops confiscated two tents which were used as classrooms for Palestinian students of the region, to replace the caravans which were confiscated by the IOF earlier on Sunday.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers opened fire on shepherds in al-Maleh region, in the northern Jordan Valley (East Jerusalem), while chasing them. No injuries were reported.
Head of the Wadi al-Maleh Local Council Aref Daraghma said that the Israeli soldiers chased the shepherds and livestock breeders in al-Maleh thermal baths; they also confiscated some livestock, and transferred them to the Israeli Nahal camp.
Earlier at dawn Sunday, crews of the Israeli civil administration, under military protection of the IOF, stormed Abu Nawar hamlet, dismantled and confiscated its only school, which consisted of six rooms and caravans, and confiscated its educational utensils, in addition to three toilets.
The hamlet houses 105 Palestinian families over of an area of almost 389 dunums. Palestinians inhabited Al-Maleh region since the fifties of the past century, and they depend for their livelihoods on agriculture and raising sheep, thus they cannot live in other regions.
The Israeli occupation authorities intend to displace the Palestinian residents in favor of the settlement project, E1, which is the most dangerous of settlement projects, as it separates the southern areas of the West Bank from the northern areas, other than imposing full control over Occupied Jerusalem.
The representative of Abu Nawar hamlet, Abu Imad Jahalin, told Quds Press that the occupation troops confiscated two tents which were used as classrooms for Palestinian students of the region, to replace the caravans which were confiscated by the IOF earlier on Sunday.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers opened fire on shepherds in al-Maleh region, in the northern Jordan Valley (East Jerusalem), while chasing them. No injuries were reported.
Head of the Wadi al-Maleh Local Council Aref Daraghma said that the Israeli soldiers chased the shepherds and livestock breeders in al-Maleh thermal baths; they also confiscated some livestock, and transferred them to the Israeli Nahal camp.
Earlier at dawn Sunday, crews of the Israeli civil administration, under military protection of the IOF, stormed Abu Nawar hamlet, dismantled and confiscated its only school, which consisted of six rooms and caravans, and confiscated its educational utensils, in addition to three toilets.
The hamlet houses 105 Palestinian families over of an area of almost 389 dunums. Palestinians inhabited Al-Maleh region since the fifties of the past century, and they depend for their livelihoods on agriculture and raising sheep, thus they cannot live in other regions.
The Israeli occupation authorities intend to displace the Palestinian residents in favor of the settlement project, E1, which is the most dangerous of settlement projects, as it separates the southern areas of the West Bank from the northern areas, other than imposing full control over Occupied Jerusalem.
24 feb 2016
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It has become a regular occurrence for Palestinian school children to endure physical violence, harassment, body searches and other demoralizing acts at the hands of the Israeli military.
For those attending school near the notorious Salaymeh checkpoint in Hebron, on Tuesday, the 23rd of February, only nine days after Yasmin al-Zarour was gunned down there, it was to be yet another school morning filled with excessive force, as Israeli soldiers quickly resorted to stun grenades to control an eight year old Palestinian child. This excessive force experienced daily, by the children of Palestine, is yet another cruel and inhumane illustration of Israel’s current apartheid regime. |
As Palestinian school children shuffled through the Salaymeh checkpoint, Israeli forces carefully watched over them as if they were a serious security threat. The slow and broken process of queuing in the cold, taking off belts and other items whilst searching bags and bodies is a painful one to watch.
In the only act of defiance that an eight year old can show, one Palestinian boy returns from beyond the checkpoint to throw stones at the soldiers. In many countries, such behaviour might be met with serious talks between the child’s parents and authorities. But not in occupied Palestine. Here in Palestine, Israeli forces regularly respond with tear gas, rubber coated steel bullets and stun grenades to stone throwing children.
Today was no different. Israeli soldiers gathered, staring through the scopes of their assault rifles, in order to intimidate and keep a forceful eye over the children. Soon after, a stun grenade is thrown by the occupied forces down the busy street. The stun grenade is off target and smashes a Palestinian car window before exploding. The distress is clear on the faces of innocent bystanders and school children as many flee and one young boy attempts to turn back through the checkpoint in fear.
”It was beyond unnecessary. To see a stun grenade being used to control an unarmed eight year old is disgusting. And who will pay for the poor Palestinians car damage? Not Israel. They are never held accountable no matter how minor or great the crime.”
For many, the rain would be enough to take the day off, but, for eager kinds in Palestine, not even the oppression from the Israeli military can deter them from getting to their place of learning. But, it won’t go unnoticed.
The effects of such appalling and degrading harassment will slowly wear down on the minds of these bright school kids. Sadly, as the children of Palestine are exposed to never ending violence and oppression, much of the world sits patiently watching the inhumanity of the apartheid regime, as if a greater reason exists to bring an end to this tyranny than the safety of the children’s lives.
In the only act of defiance that an eight year old can show, one Palestinian boy returns from beyond the checkpoint to throw stones at the soldiers. In many countries, such behaviour might be met with serious talks between the child’s parents and authorities. But not in occupied Palestine. Here in Palestine, Israeli forces regularly respond with tear gas, rubber coated steel bullets and stun grenades to stone throwing children.
Today was no different. Israeli soldiers gathered, staring through the scopes of their assault rifles, in order to intimidate and keep a forceful eye over the children. Soon after, a stun grenade is thrown by the occupied forces down the busy street. The stun grenade is off target and smashes a Palestinian car window before exploding. The distress is clear on the faces of innocent bystanders and school children as many flee and one young boy attempts to turn back through the checkpoint in fear.
”It was beyond unnecessary. To see a stun grenade being used to control an unarmed eight year old is disgusting. And who will pay for the poor Palestinians car damage? Not Israel. They are never held accountable no matter how minor or great the crime.”
For many, the rain would be enough to take the day off, but, for eager kinds in Palestine, not even the oppression from the Israeli military can deter them from getting to their place of learning. But, it won’t go unnoticed.
The effects of such appalling and degrading harassment will slowly wear down on the minds of these bright school kids. Sadly, as the children of Palestine are exposed to never ending violence and oppression, much of the world sits patiently watching the inhumanity of the apartheid regime, as if a greater reason exists to bring an end to this tyranny than the safety of the children’s lives.
23 feb 2016
A Palestinian report revealed that Israeli violations against the educational process had notably increased in 2015.
The report, issued by Quds Press, revealed that 53.998 Palestinian students and 3,840 teachers were subjected to Israeli attacks including detention, assaults, house arrest, restriction of movement at checkpoints, and denial of safe access to schools.
According to the report, nearly 255 Palestinian schools were subjected last year to different attacks at the hands of Israeli forces and settlers including violent raids and teargas bomb attacks.
Over the past year, Israeli forces killed 22 students and teachers and arrested 265 others.
The report pointed out that 75 students and 30 teachers were stopped and investigated last year at military checkpoints. 1,019 Palestinian students and teachers were injured by either live or rubber bullets, according to the report. During 2015, Israeli forces imposed house arrest on 32 Palestinian students in occupied Jerusalem.
Education was partially suspended in 35 schools and 9,322 courses were canceled due to Israeli military restrictions and attacks, the report said.
The report, issued by Quds Press, revealed that 53.998 Palestinian students and 3,840 teachers were subjected to Israeli attacks including detention, assaults, house arrest, restriction of movement at checkpoints, and denial of safe access to schools.
According to the report, nearly 255 Palestinian schools were subjected last year to different attacks at the hands of Israeli forces and settlers including violent raids and teargas bomb attacks.
Over the past year, Israeli forces killed 22 students and teachers and arrested 265 others.
The report pointed out that 75 students and 30 teachers were stopped and investigated last year at military checkpoints. 1,019 Palestinian students and teachers were injured by either live or rubber bullets, according to the report. During 2015, Israeli forces imposed house arrest on 32 Palestinian students in occupied Jerusalem.
Education was partially suspended in 35 schools and 9,322 courses were canceled due to Israeli military restrictions and attacks, the report said.
21 feb 2016
Several Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers invaded, on Sunday at dawn, the Abu an-Nawwar Bedouin community, east of occupied Jerusalem, and demolished a small school for children.
The WAFA Palestinian News Agency has reported that at least 30 military vehicles, carrying dozens of soldiers, invaded the community, and demolished the six-room school after completely confiscating all of its properties.
WAFA added that the school was built after all of its costs were donated by the French government.
It was the only school in the Bedouin community, and provided education to students in the first and second grades.
Resident Abu Emad al-Jahalin said the area is frequently targeted by Israel, since the government is attempting to remove all Palestinian communities from the area, as part of the E1 project that aims at completely surrounding occupied Jerusalem with a chain of colonies.
The WAFA Palestinian News Agency has reported that at least 30 military vehicles, carrying dozens of soldiers, invaded the community, and demolished the six-room school after completely confiscating all of its properties.
WAFA added that the school was built after all of its costs were donated by the French government.
It was the only school in the Bedouin community, and provided education to students in the first and second grades.
Resident Abu Emad al-Jahalin said the area is frequently targeted by Israel, since the government is attempting to remove all Palestinian communities from the area, as part of the E1 project that aims at completely surrounding occupied Jerusalem with a chain of colonies.
Israeli police forces on Saturday afternoon stormed al-Issawiya district, northeast of Occupied Jerusalem, and obstructed the movement of citizens on its streets.
Member of the Issawiya follow-up committee Mohamed Abul-Hems told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the police forces stormed, with no reason, the district as students were leaving their schools and chased them on allegations of throwing stones.
Abul-Hems added that the policemen stopped buses and young men on the main street of Issawiya for security checks. Al-Issawiya district has been exposed to repeated police raids since al-Quds intifada (uprising) started.
Member of the Issawiya follow-up committee Mohamed Abul-Hems told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the police forces stormed, with no reason, the district as students were leaving their schools and chased them on allegations of throwing stones.
Abul-Hems added that the policemen stopped buses and young men on the main street of Issawiya for security checks. Al-Issawiya district has been exposed to repeated police raids since al-Quds intifada (uprising) started.
17 feb 2016
Palestinian Authority security forces, on Wednesday, detained 22 Palestinian teachers who took part in a strike demanding the guarantee of teachers' rights, sources in the Palestinian Teachers' Union said.
The sources said that the teachers, two of whom are principals, were detained in raids across the occupied West Bank.
As part of the strike, an estimated 20,000 Palestinian teachers demonstrated in Ramallah, on Tuesday, to call for the implementation of an 2013 agreement guaranteeing teachers' rights.
Most schools in the occupied West Bank shut down completely in protest, while other establishments closed before noon, as teachers gathered in front of the PA cabinet headquarters to demonstrate. The teachers called for the resignation of the head of the teachers' union, Ahmad Sahwil, and for the organization of elections within the teachers' union.
"Teachers are not against the union as a union, but against the behaviors and abuses of the union," one demonstrator, Adnan al-Durubi, told Ma'an News Agency.
Al-Durubi said the average Palestinian teacher's salary did not exceed 3,000 shekels ($767) each month.
According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the average monthly expenditure of a Palestinian family in the West Bank is $1,333.
In 2013, the Palestinian teachers’ union signed an agreement with the government which guaranteed a significant increase on teachers' basic salary.
However, three years after a lengthy teachers' strike over unpaid salaries, the Palestinian Authority has yet to make good on its promise to increase wages.
The teachers have called on the Palestinian government to comply with the increase agreed on in 2013, as well as a secure university education for teachers' children, reforms in retirement legislation, and promotions and bonuses based on experience.
The teachers detained Wednesday were identified as Ibrahim Izzat al-Asafra, Basil Dudin, Kinan Audah, Yousif Abu Ras, Bilal Jawabra, Muhammad Abu Ajamiya, Izzat Manasra, Mahmoud Shrouf, Anis Abu Zahra, Qays Abu Zahra, Muhammad Abu Iram, Ayman al-Asa, Mire Nassar, Muhammad Hamdan Farikh, Amir Burouq, Tariq Samar, Alaa Jayyusi, Sadiq al-Qarut, Munir Abu Thiab, and Ammar Shahrour.
The two principals were identified as Ziad Ali Darabee and Hasan Zayid.
The sources said that the teachers, two of whom are principals, were detained in raids across the occupied West Bank.
As part of the strike, an estimated 20,000 Palestinian teachers demonstrated in Ramallah, on Tuesday, to call for the implementation of an 2013 agreement guaranteeing teachers' rights.
Most schools in the occupied West Bank shut down completely in protest, while other establishments closed before noon, as teachers gathered in front of the PA cabinet headquarters to demonstrate. The teachers called for the resignation of the head of the teachers' union, Ahmad Sahwil, and for the organization of elections within the teachers' union.
"Teachers are not against the union as a union, but against the behaviors and abuses of the union," one demonstrator, Adnan al-Durubi, told Ma'an News Agency.
Al-Durubi said the average Palestinian teacher's salary did not exceed 3,000 shekels ($767) each month.
According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the average monthly expenditure of a Palestinian family in the West Bank is $1,333.
In 2013, the Palestinian teachers’ union signed an agreement with the government which guaranteed a significant increase on teachers' basic salary.
However, three years after a lengthy teachers' strike over unpaid salaries, the Palestinian Authority has yet to make good on its promise to increase wages.
The teachers have called on the Palestinian government to comply with the increase agreed on in 2013, as well as a secure university education for teachers' children, reforms in retirement legislation, and promotions and bonuses based on experience.
The teachers detained Wednesday were identified as Ibrahim Izzat al-Asafra, Basil Dudin, Kinan Audah, Yousif Abu Ras, Bilal Jawabra, Muhammad Abu Ajamiya, Izzat Manasra, Mahmoud Shrouf, Anis Abu Zahra, Qays Abu Zahra, Muhammad Abu Iram, Ayman al-Asa, Mire Nassar, Muhammad Hamdan Farikh, Amir Burouq, Tariq Samar, Alaa Jayyusi, Sadiq al-Qarut, Munir Abu Thiab, and Ammar Shahrour.
The two principals were identified as Ziad Ali Darabee and Hasan Zayid.
15 feb 2016
At least 21 people were injured on Monday after a ceiling collapsed in a building under construction on a university campus in the southern Gaza Strip, a Gaza civil defense service spokesman said.
Muhammad al-Midana said the ceiling collapsed during construction work.
Sources in the Gaza civil defense rescue service told Ma’an that both students of al-Aqsa University’s Khan Yunis branch and workers were among the wounded. At least 12 of the injured were taken to Nasser medical center in Khan Yunis while rescue teams were evacuating the others.
The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007, which has severely impaired the construction sector in the Palestinian enclave as building materials are hard to come by.
The World Bank on Thursday highlighted the “extremely difficult” situation in the Gaza Strip, which it said has only received six percent of the funding it needs to recover from the latest devastating Israeli offensive on the besieged territory in 2014.
Muhammad al-Midana said the ceiling collapsed during construction work.
Sources in the Gaza civil defense rescue service told Ma’an that both students of al-Aqsa University’s Khan Yunis branch and workers were among the wounded. At least 12 of the injured were taken to Nasser medical center in Khan Yunis while rescue teams were evacuating the others.
The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007, which has severely impaired the construction sector in the Palestinian enclave as building materials are hard to come by.
The World Bank on Thursday highlighted the “extremely difficult” situation in the Gaza Strip, which it said has only received six percent of the funding it needs to recover from the latest devastating Israeli offensive on the besieged territory in 2014.
