Palestinian Governor Opens School Year Near Separation Barrier

Hossam Abu Hamda, the governor of Qalqilya, inaugurated the new academic year 2026-2027 on Monday with a visit to Al-Ramadin Basic Mixed School in the Al-Ramadin South community. This community is located behind the separation barrier, within the Qalqilya Governorate.

The school, established in 2011, serves students from kindergarten through the final year of secondary education (Tawjihi). The governor inspected the school's conditions and identified its needs. Attendees included Jamal Ayyoub, Director General of Education; Dr. Muhannad Shawar, Director General of the Civil Affairs Authority; Mohammed Shagnoubi, Secretary of the Teachers Union in Qalqilya; the school's principal, Hanin Hourani; faculty members; and community representatives.

During the morning assembly, Governor Abu Hamda praised the steadfastness of the community members and their adherence to their land. He emphasized that the will of the Palestinian people defies "occupation measures" and that education is a key tool for resilience. He also commended the efforts of the Directorate of Education and the school's staff for continuing their mission despite "occupation procedures and harassment."

The Director General of Education stated that opening the school year at Al-Ramadin, located behind the "racist separation wall," sends a message of support and commitment from the Ministry of Education to provide schooling for all Palestinians, irrespective of "occupation measures." He confirmed that all administrative and technical preparations were completed for the new academic year, which began with high readiness across all schools.

The governor and his delegation distributed textbooks to first-grade students and toured the school facilities.