Israel’s withholding of PA revenues deprive Palestinians of proper learning

February 13, 2026 - 09:46

The Palestinian education sector is facing a catastrophic collapse, directly linked to Israel's ongoing policy of withholding hundreds of millions in critical tax revenues. These funds, collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA), are the lifeblood for paying public sector salaries, including those for teachers and administrative staff across the West Bank.

For months, educators have been working without regular pay, leading to widespread strikes, staff shortages, and severe disruptions to the academic calendar. Schools are struggling to maintain basic operations, with many reporting an inability to cover essential utilities or teaching supplies. The financial stranglehold has created an atmosphere of profound instability, forcing many qualified teachers to seek other work to support their families, thereby depleting the system of experienced professionals.

This crisis extends beyond empty paychecks. It jeopardizes the fundamental right to education for an entire generation of Palestinian students. Psychologists warn that the environment of uncertainty and stress is taking a heavy toll on student well-being and learning outcomes. With classrooms shuttered intermittently and morale at an all-time low, the very foundation of the Palestinian educational infrastructure is being systematically eroded. The international community has repeatedly warned that the withholding of these clearances violates agreements and risks creating irreversible damage to Palestinian society, with the long-term consequences of a lost educational year impacting future stability and development.