The European Parliament’s strong condemnation of the Palestinian Authority’s educational materials highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitism and violence in their curriculum. On May 4, 2026, the Parliament voted to condemn PA textbooks for including antisemitic content and incitement to violence for the seventh consecutive year.
In July 2024, the Palestinian Authority signed an agreement with the EU committing to curriculum reform by September 2025. The EU stated that PA textbooks for Grades 1-4 must align with UNESCO standards by this deadline. However, the PA Education Ministry clarified that current textbooks have not been revised at all.
The European Parliament approved a resolution calling for conditional EU funding based on textbook content alignment with UNESCO standards. The resolution passed with 418 votes in favor, 207 against, and 14 abstentions.
The US State Department reported that PA school textbooks continue to glorify jihad and incitement to violence. Critics describe the PA’s pledge to reform its curriculum as an empty promise. Marcus Sheff, CEO of IMPACT-se, stated, “It is unthinkable that after the October 7 massacres, the PA’s curriculum remains infected with hatred, violence and antisemitism.”
Bert-Jan Ruissen emphasized the importance of ensuring real change in Palestinian classrooms. He said, “The Commission must ensure that its reform framework delivers real change in Palestinian classrooms.” Joachim Streit remarked that reforming PA textbooks presents an important opportunity for fostering tolerance and coexistence in education.