The construction of the school, amounting to €850,000, was funded by France through the EU’s Area C Development Programme in the West Bank. This initiative is part of the sixth development package, financed by France, which aims to improve access to education for Palestinian students. The newly established school covers an area of 1,500 square meters and will provide 285 students with an improved learning environment and enhanced secondary education infrastructure.

To date, the European Union’s Area C Development Programme in the West Bank-funded by the EU and its Member States—has allocated €23.2 million towards the construction of 73 social infrastructure projects across 59 localities. This investment reflects the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting Palestinian communities in Area C, ensuring access to essential services, and fostering sustainable development.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Local Government Dr. Sami Hajawi, EU Representative Alexandre Stutzmann, French Consul General Nicolas Kassianides, representatives of the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF), and local authorities.

During the ceremony, participants, including officials and students, engaged in a tree-planting activity symbolizing growth, resilience, and sustainability. This initiative highlights the importance of environmental consciousness and community engagement in education.

“The European Union and its Member States remain committed to protecting the rights of Palestinians and providing assistance to vulnerable populations in Area C. This region is vital for the territorial continuity of the West Bank and the viability of a future Palestinian state. The EU firmly upholds the two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace and security. We reiterate our call on Israel to cease enforcement measures such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions of homes, destruction of public infrastructure, and obstruction of humanitarian aid, as these actions violate international law. Education is a fundamental human right and a crucial pillar for building democratic and peaceful societies,” said the EU Representative Alexandre Stutzmann at the inauguration ceremony.

In addition, the Consul General of France, Nicolas Kassianides, said that “projects such as the Haris secondary boys school, which are the result of joint efforts between donors and the Palestinian authority, are concrete ways to help preserving the Palestinian presence on this land and the perspective of the two States solution”.

The EU’s engagement in Area C is firmly grounded in international law and implemented in close coordination with the Palestinian Authority. EU-funded projects focus on fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for Palestinian communities by enhancing public services, supporting private sector growth, and promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental initiatives.

Through continued cooperation and targeted investments, the European Union remains committed to ensuring that Palestinians in Area C can exercise their right to develop, live with dignity, and build a sustainable future.