Since its establishment in Al-Khalil/Hebron in 1995, CPT Palestine has remained committed to accompanying children, teachers, local residents, and school principals on the daily school run. Over nearly three decades, we have witnessed the gradual transformation of checkpoints, which began as a few large stones blocking a narrow passage and slowly expanded into permanent structures with layers of restrictions.
In the past, CPT members were able to wear vests and clearly identify themselves as human rights observers. Over time, however, the situation changed step by step until we were no longer allowed to wear the vests at the checkpoints, and could only identify ourselves as local people trying to cross the checkpoints. This shift happened slowly, overtime, and has been part of the long history of restrictions imposed over the years.
This report does more than present data; it seeks to carry the narrative of an entire community. It highlights the daily experiences of Palestinian children, teachers, and principals, alongside our own perspectives as human rights observers who walk with them each day. The documentation relies not only on statistics about how many people are forced to endure these checkpoints but also on personal interviews and stories that illustrate the human reality a behind the numbers. With limited ability to capture images due to restrictions of the occupation, our work is rooted in close observation, consistent presence, and direct testimony.
At the same time, this report reflects on the challenges we faced throughout the semester and the lessons learned in responding to those challenges, strengthening our capacity as an organisation engaged in observation, documentation, and advocacy. It also underscores our direct connection to the community, ensuring that their voices guide the recommendations we put forward.
This report is the product of a full semester of study, analysis, and interviews, and stands as part of a much longer effort to document the struggles of Palestinian children whose pursuit of education continues to be obstructed by a system of control that has shaped their lives for decades.
