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EU Calls on Palestinian Authority to Speed Up Curriculum Reforms Amid Regional Tensions

The European Union has issued a strongly worded statement urging the Palestinian Authority (PA) to expedite its efforts to modify the full curriculum, citing growing concerns over regional tensions and the need for a more inclusive education system.

EU’s Demands

  • The PA should engage in dialogue with Arab countries that have signed the Abraham Accords to explore ways to promote the two-state solution, Palestinian economic development, and regional stability.
  • Israel must stop destroying vital civilian infrastructure and illegally exploiting water and land resources in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), including East Jerusalem.
  • Urgent reconstruction and development projects are needed, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and support is required for necessary efforts to advance these initiatives.

Election Demands

  • The PA should hold free, credible, inclusive, transparent, and fair parliamentary and presidential elections without further delay.
  • Israel must respect its obligations to allow elections to take place in East Jerusalem, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
  • The EU emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary, respect for freedom of expression, as well as the participation of youth, women, and minorities in the electoral process.

Concerns

  • The shrinking space for civil society in Palestine is a concern, and the PA should eliminate repressive restrictions on non-governmental organizations.
  • People exercising their fundamental rights should not be arbitrarily detained.
  • The EU expressed concern over the Israeli military authorities’ designation of six Palestinian social and human rights organizations as terrorist entities.

Recommendations

  • The PA should facilitate national dialogue, reconciliation, security, peace, and consensus-building among all political and societal actors in Palestine.
  • Independent and reliable mechanisms should be established to investigate occurrences of torture or ill treatment within the territory.
  • International mediation efforts are commended for reaching agreement between different Palestinian political factions.

By urging the PA to take these steps, the EU aims to promote a more inclusive education system, advance regional stability, and support democratic elections in Palestine.