CAIRO: The 108th session of the Arab Committee on Educational Programs for Arab Students in the Occupied Arab Territories has concluded at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. The meeting saw participation from representatives of Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and the Arab States Broadcasting Union. According to Jordan News Agency, Saeed Attia, the head of the Jordanian delegation and Director of Monitoring at the Department of Palestinian Affairs, emphasized the significance of the Palestinian cause as a central issue for Jordan and the broader Arab world. He reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering support under King Abdullah II's leadership for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. This includes their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state wi th East Jerusalem as its capital. Attia highlighted Jordan's dedication to supporting Palestine, particularly in the education sector. Through the Hashemite guardianship of holy sites, Jordan manages over 50 endowment schools in Jerusalem, aiming to fortify the educational system in the occupied city. He expressed concerns over Israel's continued violations and the ongoing war on Gaza, particularly in light of recent Israeli legislation from the Knesset that bans UNRWA operations within Palestinian territories. Attia warned that such actions could jeopardize the educational process. In response to these challenges and in line with royal directives, Jordan has signed a cooperation agreement to launch a mobile application in collaboration with the WISE SCHOOL platform. This initiative will provide free access to the Palestinian curriculum for students in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, benefiting approximately 600,000 students from grades one to twelve by allowing them to continue their studies and track their progress. The committee also discussed the challenges and obstacles faced in the education sector within the occupied territories, including violations by occupation forces, targeting of students and teachers, and attempts to modify the Palestinian curricula, especially in Jerusalem, with Israeli versions.
- / General