Israeli military closures across several towns and villages south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank have prevented 59 teachers and three school principals from reaching their schools, disrupting classes and depriving thousands of Palestinian students of education, the Palestinian Information Center reported.

Samer al-Jamal, director general of education in southern Nablus, warned that roadblocks and movement restrictions were undermining regular school attendance. During a visit to Madama village, he accused Israeli forces of directly targeting the educational process and denying students their right to education.

Israeli forces closed Madama’s entrances at dawn on Sunday, blocking its northern entrance and roads connecting the village to Burin and Asira al-Qibliya. The closures have restricted the movement of residents, students and educational staff.