Some 150 teachers protesting in Gaza over the weekend were dispersed by Hamas troops as the teachers expressed loyalty to Islamic Jihad. The teachers were also expressing their opposition to the dismissal of teachers affiliated with Fatah as well as stating their objection to Hamas’ involvement in educational matters. According to the teachers, the ongoing strife between Hamas and Fatah is leading to disruptions in learning for approximately a quarter of a million students in Gaza.

Hamas officials insist the protest was broken up because organizers did not receive a permit. Regarding education, Hamas officials insist replacement teachers have been provided for teachers who were let go.

According to the PA (Palestinian Authority), Hamas members continue to threaten striking teachers, adding some will be punished by being sent to far-away schools in retaliation for their strike actions. PA officials are paying salaries of striking teachers to encourage them to defy the Hamas regime, and the names of those who backed down and returned to the classrooms were published in PA newspapers to embarrass them.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)