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Education International welcomed the release of Fatima Nimer Al-Rimawi, a 54-year-old kindergarten teacher and union leader from Jericho, who was among a group of Palestinians freed along with Israeli hostages, following a ceasefire between the Israel and Hamas. Fatima is the President of the Jericho branch of the Palestine General Union of Workers in Kindergarten and Private Schools (GUWKPS), a member organisation of Education International. 

She was arrested at her home in January 2024 by the Israeli Defense Forces and transferred to the al-Damon prison, near Haifa in Israel. She faced charges of “incitement to terrorism,” a broadly defined accusation often employed in such cases, after posting critical comments on Facebook regarding Israel's retaliatory attacks in Gaza.

Fatima was detained for an entire year without trial, without access to medical care, and without visitation from her family or her lawyer. The al-Damon prison, where she was detained, has been criticized by human rights groups for its abuses and harsh detention conditions.

International campaign

Education International supported an international campaign launched by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and several other Education International member organisations calling for Al-Rimawi’s immediate and unconditional release.

“Fatima’s release is testimony to the compassion and skill of education and public employee unions around the world, and what we can do when we apply ourselves to a focused strategic campaign,” stated the AFT.

The campaign “#FreeFatima”, which included the creation of a dedicated website and a social media campaign, was created in consultation with teachers’ unions in the Arab region, Israeli human rights lawyers, and Fatima’s husband. Thousands of individuals and a network of twelve international unions contacted their governments and the Israeli authorities, advocating for Fatima’s release.

Call to prioritize education in Gaza

The education system in Gaza has endured catastrophic damage due to prolonged war and Israeli bombing, with the majority of the educational infrastructure destroyed, thousands of teachers and students killed, and survivors deeply affected by trauma. This destruction hinders the immediate access to education and jeopardizes the long-term development of an entire generation in Gaza.

Welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza as a crucial step towards ending suffering and devastation that has plagued the region for the past 15 months, Education International emphasized how this moment presents an urgent opportunity to shift focus from conflict to rebuilding and healing, with particular attention to the education system.

Education unions and the UNRWA, as a key provider of quality education in Gaza, have a crucial role to play in the recovery process.

“This ceasefire must be a building block for lasting peace and mark the end to a devastating war,” stated Mugwena Maluleke, Education International President. “Education is fundamental for building peace, it is the light that guides humanity towards a future of compassion, understanding and unity. Rebuilding Gaza is not just about restoring buildings, but about restoring hope, dignity, and justice for its people.”

Education International called on international organizations, governments, UN agencies, and humanitarian actors to prioritize education by investing in rebuilding schools and ensuring access to quality education for all children. Education International also urged both parties to honor their commitments, enforce the ceasefire, deliver essential aid to Gaza, and release all hostages.