Hiking Route in Ramim Ridge Did Not Match Approved Path

A map revealed by "Weekend News" shows that the hiking route taken by students in the Ramim Ridge, where a student was killed and 24 others were injured by an unexploded ordnance, did not align with areas that the Jewish National Fund (JNF) had declared closed. The JNF had prohibited access to these specific areas since the start of the war, notifying the Ministry of Education two months prior to the incident. Despite this warning, the Ministry of Education's situation room and trip coordination center approved the route for students from the Orot High School in Ma'alot.

The map indicates in red the areas closed by the JNF and in yellow the approved hiking trail. The northern point on the map marks where the unexploded ordnance was found, and the southern point marks the location of the explosion. The students and teachers were hiking in an area that included a JNF-closed zone, even though the Ministry of Education was aware of the JNF's prohibition.

Furthermore, the route involved a scenic road designated for vehicles and buses, which was also prohibited for foot traffic. Although the Ministry of Education acknowledged this restriction in the trip approval, students were required to cross this prohibited road to reach their bus pickup location, forcing them onto the forbidden path.

"Weekend News" emphasized the danger of unexploded ordnance in widespread areas and the responsibility to warn children, urging them not to touch such items to prevent future tragedies. The Ministry of Education stated that the restriction on the scenic road did not apply to the Israel Trail, which was open and included in the approved itinerary. The ministry added that an investigation into the actual route taken is ongoing.