Education International denounces the blocking of high level delegation to Palestine
Education leaders were invited to mark the International Day of Education
Education International strongly condemns the decision by the Israeli occupation authorities to prevent a delegation of education leaders from entering Palestine, detaining delegation members for hours, subjecting them to interrogation, confiscating their passports, and forcibly returning them to Jordan.
The delegation, which included the General Secretary of Education International, Executive Board members and leaders of education unions from across the world, was travelling at the invitation of the General Union of Palestinian Teachers. The purpose of the visit was to stand in solidarity with Palestinian educators and to participate in activities marking the International Day of Education, alongside Palestinian colleagues who continue to defend the right to education under extreme conditions.
As part of this visit, the delegation had also been invited to be present with teachers graduating from a professional development programme supported by Education International and its member organisations. These teachers represent the future of Palestinian education. They represent resilience, commitment, and hope. Preventing international educators from standing beside them at this moment is not only an attack on freedom of movement and trade union rights; it is an attempt to isolate Palestinian education from its global community and to silence international solidarity.
The denial of entry to this delegation cannot be separated from the broader and systematic targeting of education in Palestine. From the destruction of schools and universities, to the disruption of learning through raids, closures, and intimidation, Palestinian students and educators are being denied their fundamental right to education. Blocking international solidarity is a further effort to prevent the truth from being witnessed and shared.
Education International affirms that academic freedom, trade union rights, and international solidarity are not privileges; they are fundamental rights protected under international law. The actions taken against this delegation constitute a clear violation of these principles and undermine the very values that the International Day of Education is meant to reflect.
Education International stands firmly with Palestinian teachers, students, and their unions. Attempts to intimidate, isolate, or silence educators will only strengthen our collective determination to continue supporting Palestinian education and to amplify the voices of those who, despite war and military occupation, continue to teach and to build hope for future generations.
Education International calls on the international community, to take decisive action to challenge these violations and to defend the right to education, academic freedom, and international solidarity everywhere.
