Young people in Palestine

All children have the right to life, to live and play without fear of violence and to attend school and learn in safety.

The NEU welcomes the announcement on 15 January 2025 of a ceasefire between the Israeli Government and Hamas. We look forward to the imminent and safe release of all Israeli hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners and the permanent cessation of all hostilities.

We urge the international community to work at pace to ensure aid is delivered to the people of Gaza without hindrance, that the ceasefire is fully implemented and that human rights, international law, and the sovereignty of the Palestinian people is upheld.

Education under attack in Palestine

In Gaza, education has been entirely halted since October 2023 for over 625,000 children and 22,000 teachers. Over 17,000 children and more than 400 teachers and educational professionals have been killed. More than 95% of schools have been damaged or completely destroyed.

In the West Bank, at least 224 children have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since January 2023. Access to education has also been severely disrupted for 782,000 students due to movement restrictions, military operations and settler violence.

The NEU urges the UK Government to recognise the catastrophic damages to the education system in Gaza and work with donors to mobilise the funds needed to support the immediate education requirements and long-term education reconstruction, including by scaling up support to UNWRA and ensuring it is able to operate fully across Gaza and the West Bank.

Support children and educators in Palestine

Thank You for Supporting the Save the Children Gaza emergency appeal

The NEU is proud to announce that the NEU/Save the Children Gaza appeal raised over £150,000. We would like to thank all members, districts and regions that donated to the appeal and raised this phenomenal sum to support Save the Children's humanitarian work in Gaza, which has helped Save the Children and its partners to reach over 1 million people across 50 locations.

The appeal is now closed but members can continue to donate to the to the DEC Middle East Appeal and the EI Emergency Fund for Teachers in Gaza and Palestine - details below.

Find out more about Save the Children’s work in Gaza

DEC Middle East Appeal

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to work as a united front in times of crisis, with one shared mission – to help as many children and families as possible.

With ceasefires now in place in Gaza and Lebanon, DEC charities and their local partners are expanding their operations to reach people with food, shelter and medical support.

Any support districts or members can give to the appeal will make an enormous difference. Your donation will be used to provide lifesaving support in Gaza and Lebanon, and other areas affected including the West Bank and Syria.

Donate here

Support to teachers in Gaza and Palestine

Our continued solidarity and support with educators in Palestine is more important than ever.

Teachers have been killed and injured, and many have lost their homes and loved ones. Wages have been withheld, forcing Palestinian teachers to go months without pay. Many lack basic life necessities including shelter, food, water, electricity, sanitation and health.

The NEU is proud to support Education International’s (EI) solidarity fund for teachers in Gaza and Palestine. The fund is providing direct assistance to teachers affected by the war, as well as supporting the General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT) to organise training sessions for members to provide emotional support to their students who are traumatised by the war.

Districts and members can donate to the Solidarity Fund here: Education International ING Bank 24, Avenue Marnix 1000 Brussels IBAN: BE05 3101 0061 7075 Swift: BBRUBEBB With the indication: Humanitarian Assistance Appeal 2023/11. Please do not include the word ‘Palestine’ in labelling your payment, as banks are suspicious of bank transfers to zones at war or undergoing political instability.

Solidarity actions with Palestine

National Demonstration for Palestine

Saturday 15 March, 12:00–16:00

Central London

As Israel intensifies its attacks on the West Bank and continues to threaten ethnic cleansing in Gaza, join PSC and other groups on this march through Central London to continue to put pressure on the UK government to end support for Israel’s violence.

Further details and the route will shared on the PSC website.

NEU international work

The NEU supports the defence of human rights, provide vital assistance during crises and emergencies, and collaborate on development cooperation projects.

Find out more