Israeli Settlers Block Palestinian Kids’ School Access with Tear Gas and Barbed Wire

Palestinian villagers in Umm al-Khair report new barbed wire fence blocks path to school

Israeli settlers installed the improvised fence overnight, according to video provided to AP. Palestinians say this is latest attempt by settlers to expand control over part of occupied West Bank where state-backed demolitions and settler violence are common.

The villagers’ plight was documented in 2024 Oscar-winning film “No Other Land,” but publicity has done little to stop bloodshed or land grabs, they claim. They say Israel used the Iran war cover to tighten grip on territory as settler attacks surge and military imposes additional movement restrictions citing security concerns.

Khalil Hathaleen, head of village council, says settlers are using war to seize land, cut down olive groves and raid nearby villages at night. “It was a good chance for settlers to do what they want with no rules,” he said.

Children demanded passage Monday and Tuesday near Israeli flags, barbed wire and fallen trees as parents and leaders protested. On Monday, children were met by tear gas and sound grenades hurled by armed men in unmarked white truck including some uniformed soldiers according to video.

Israel’s military says troops used “riot dispersal means” outside Carmel settlement next to Umm al-Khair. It acknowledges that children were present but says measures were directed at adults, not the kids. Har Hevron Regional Council did not respond to questions about fence.

Bedouins and other villagers have been using 3-kilometer path from neighborhood of Khirbet Umm al-Khair to village center for decades. “We are determined to keep it,” Khalil Hathaleen said.

Fence is latest way Palestinian movement being restricted as Israeli settlements multiply in occupied West Bank. Palestinians say this follows pattern where settlers erect fences or claim farmland that Palestinians say is theirs and then move to enforce new reality with military backing.

Hathaleen says forces sometimes restrain settlers but more often defer to them. “We are refused a solution,” he said.

International community considers settlements illegal, Israel views territory as disputed saying final status subject to negotiations. Outposts built without Israeli authorities’ permission who sometimes dismantle them or legalize them retroactively.

Military’s civil administration unit told Umm Al-Khair to divert students to another path but parents say alternate route is twice as long and more dangerous requiring passage near Carmel. “We have deep concerns as parents and residents that occupation will attack students,” said Al-Mutasim Hathaleen, another parent.

Tuesday some students got to school on buses taking alternate route but classrooms were half-empty and playground deserted. No school Wednesday due to Palestinian Authority cuts in teacher salaries. But Thursday kids will try again to get to school on regular route, Khalil Hathaleen said.

Israeli officials and military leaders have recently warned of increasing violence by extremist settlers who continue arsons and deadly attacks across territory. At least 35 Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in 2026. B’Tselem says daily unbridled violence amounts to Israeli government policy as army reservists often involved enjoy complete impunity for killing, assaulting and looting Palestinian residents.”