Several private schools in eastern Jerusalem began an indefinite strike on Tuesday after Israeli authorities reportedly did not renew entry permits for more than 70 teaching staff, according to a statement issued by the schools' owners on Monday evening. The schools’ General Secretariat for Christian Educational Institutions of Jerusalem said the failure to renew the permits was unexpected and left the institutions unable to open properly for the new school year.

The statement highlighted that the absence of numerous staff members has disrupted educational, administrative, health, cleaning, safety, and security operations, thereby preventing the schools from providing students with a stable and secure learning environment. These affected schools serve approximately 15,000 students, according to figures from the eastern Jerusalem organization Ir Amim.

“We pray and hope that this crisis will be resolved as quickly as possible, that such measures will cease and not recur in the future, thereby preserving the stability of our educational institutions and guaranteeing students’ right to orderly and safe education, while enabling our schools to continue their authentic educational, pedagogical, and humanitarian mission,” the statement said.

The strike coincides with concerns raised by the Palestinian Authority and other local stakeholders about Israeli plans to introduce its national curriculum to some 45,000 students in eastern Jerusalem from first to seventh grade. Past attempts to impose Israeli educational standards in the area following the Six-Day War in 1967 sparked strong resistance and were ultimately abandoned, but recent developments have rekindled tension over curriculum control.

In addition to curriculum disputes, broader restrictions have affected Palestinians’ access to employment within Israeli educational and public-service systems. In 2018, Israel’s Labor and Welfare Ministry withdrew recognition of social work degrees awarded by Palestinian institutions such as Al-Quds University. More recently, in January 2026, the Knesset passed legislation barring graduates of Palestinian universities from teaching in Israeli and eastern Jerusalem schools unless they obtain Israeli accreditation.

The strike unfolds amid ongoing challenges facing the Palestinian education sector, which has contended with financial difficulties leading to reduced school hours in Palestinian Authority-run schools, limited to three days per week. Furthermore, Israel has closed United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) operations in eastern Jerusalem, further complicating educational and humanitarian conditions in the area.

The situation remains unresolved as private schools maintain their strike, awaiting a restoration of permits and a framework that would enable the resumption of normal schooling in eastern Jerusalem.