The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynne Hastings, called on all parties to commit to protecting children in accordance with international law – regardless of where they are – and to “end the excessive use of force, especially against children.” In a statement, Hastings said that children not only have the right to a safe education, but they should be guaranteed special protection under international human rights law. She pointed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which indicated that pursuing lessons from home during the past school year proved more challenging than in any other place in the world, as only 35% of Palestinian families have access to computerized devices. Israel has a responsibility to protect children and teachers from harassment and violence perpetrated by settlers on their way to and from schools. For further details, click here