Israeli authorities demolished a Palestinian school in the occupied West Bank today, Sunday, a move that was strongly condemned by the European Union. The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories stated in a statement that the school building was erected without legal grounds and then "was found to pose a danger to the safety of anyone studying or visiting it," leading an Israeli court to order its demolition for that reason. The EU mission in the Palestinian territories tweeted that the demolition process is "illegal under international law" and will only "increase the suffering of the Palestinian population and escalate tensions in an already volatile environment." They added that they are "appalled by the demolition of this school, which will negatively impact 81 Palestinian children."
Eyewitness Ismail Salah, who lives near the school, told Reuters, "They demolished the school and started taking everything inside in trucks to take it away." The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Education described the demolition as a "hideous crime," stating that it will deprive students of receiving their education freely, safely, and stably, like children around the world.
