EU Condemns Palestinian Authority Textbooks for 'Antisemitism, Glorification of Jihad'

The European Union has passed resolutions condemning educational materials used by the Palestinian Authority (PA) that contain antisemitism and glorification of jihad. According to a recent report by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se), the EU is making future funding to the PA conditional upon the removal of these problematic elements.

During a budgetary session, the European Parliament emphasized the importance of adhering to UNESCO standards in educational content. The resolutions highlight the ongoing issue of Palestinian textbooks containing narratives that incite violence and reject peaceful conflict resolution. The parliamentary body underscored that education should be a tool for fostering coexistence and promoting peace.

The EU has been actively monitoring PA textbooks for several years, and this marks the seventh consecutive year that the Parliament has raised concerns over the content in Palestinian educational materials. A review conducted for the 2025-2026 academic year revealed that many textbooks and teaching guides continue to contain glorified depictions of violence and martyrdom, as well as a persistent absence of reference to peaceful solutions.

Despite a 2024 agreement between the PA and the EU to reform its educational curriculum, findings indicate that these commitments have not been met. The EU resolution further stipulates that ongoing assistance to the PA hinges on their compliance with promises to eliminate extremist content.

Notably, the latest parliamentary vote showed significant support for these measures, with 418 votes in favor, 207 against, and 14 abstentions, reflecting a broad consensus on the need for reform in Palestinian education to ensure its alignment with values of peace and tolerance. The EU reiterated that education is central to peacebuilding efforts and essential for preparing individuals for a conducive negotiation environment in the pursuit of a two-state solution.