"However, I take issue with the complete absence of any direct reference to Israel’s role in why the schools are closed. In a news report on September 2, you identify Hamas as the party responsible for the deaths of the hostages. Yet you fail to name the Israeli government as being directly responsible for the school closures and also provided minimal information as to the context for the school closures."
September 10, 2024
Dear Mr. Shannon and Mr. Hobson ,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to express concerns about the news report titled: Israel-Hamas: Gaza school year begins with all schools closed that was published online on September 9, 2024.
First, I want to thank you for covering the issue that all Gaza children, youth and young adults are being denied their right to education for the second school year in a row. This is a basic right guaranteed for all children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child which Canada and Israel have both signed. Thank you also for identifying that school closures will impact Gaza and its residents for generations.
However, I take issue with the complete absence of any direct reference to Israel’s role in why the schools are closed. In a news report on September 2, you identify Hamas as the party responsible for the deaths of the hostages. Yet you fail to name the Israeli government as being directly responsible for the school closures and also provided minimal information as to the context for the school closures.
According to international organizations and UN reports, all 12 universities have been partially or fully destoyed and about 85% of the schools will require full or partial reconstruction. Israel’s deliberate destruction of schools and universities is a blatant violation of international law and a grievous assault with lasting impact on the future prospects of Palestinian children and youth.
I would recommend that future news reports clearly identify the role and intentionality of the Israeli government’s actions and provide a fuller context to the school closures.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hubbard
CJPME: Okanagan
Kelowna, British Columbia