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The study aims to identify the effectiveness of distance learning of mathematics from the perspective of the public-school teachers during the COVID pandemic. Differences of statistical significances between the answers of the participants were registered. To achieve the desired goals, researchers employed the descriptive approach; a questionnaire was designed to collect the necessary information from the research sample (125) teachers. Results show that effectiveness of distance learning of mathematics from the teachers' point of view was average. Regarding the fields, the field of objectives of the activation of mathematics curriculum distance learning came first whereas the liabilities of distance teaching of mathematics occupied the last place. No variations of statistical significance emerged regarding the distance teaching of mathematics in relation to the study variables. The research is expected to contribute usefully to the scientific community as it handles a global incidence and its implications within a developing country with limited resources and capabilities. The gap that the paper attempts to address is one of great significance as it answers pivotal questions on how technology in education can be a real hope for educational achievement in a marginalised area of the world.

This paper discusses a collaborative research project that aimed to explore approaches to creative practices and pedagogies by teacher education communities in the West Bank, Palestine, and North West England (Bethlehem and Chester). The project explored the values, attitudes and perceptions of teacher educators and student teachers in relation to creative pedagogies and the conditions under which they flourished in each community. We found that creativity was understood to take many forms, according to the cultural values and conditions present in each community, and that creative pedagogical forms emerged from the specificities of their cultural and political contexts. Creativity in education is a contentious issue in both cultures, but an area that both education communities wished to explore further. Despite the differences, there were surprising commonalities between the two communities about the value of creative practices and the relation of creativity to democratic and critical practices in the classroom.

This paper investigates the short and long-term pernicious impact of armed conflicts on education and educational agents (students, teachers and students' parents), using a multivocal review by means of the integration and qualitative analysis of 60 research reports (voices) found in two databases: Web of Science and PROQUEST in the period between 1995 -date of the first founding paper- until 2014. Through the analysis of source data (voices) and taking the "multivocal review" as a method, the voices have been combined in nine categories, namely: a) Refusal and impediments to a return to education; b) Educational infrastructure damaged or destroyed; c) Cuts in or withdrawal of spending on education; d) Loss of the educational and protective functions of the family; e) Loss of the academic community; f) Non-qualified teaching staff; g) Drastic loss of skills; h) Abandoning school (population movements, destruction of networks and social environment); i) Behavioural problems: traumas, pedagogical roles and self-victimization. These categories have highlighted the serious consequences arising from conflicts, infringing as they do the most basic human rights and in particular the right to a sound education during childhood.

The Palestinian information technology (IT) sector is growing. Meanwhile, an ongoing out-migration of IT professionals and graduates is taking place. Drawing on group, pair and individual interviews, as well as fieldwork observations, this paper investigates highly skilled IT students' intentions to stay in or to leave the West Bank. In particular, it examines their transition from university to employment or further education, including professional opportunities and factors affecting migratory and stay decisions. This paper shows how physical, legal, bureaucratic, professional, educational, cultural and personal factors shape professional plans and career trajectories. Particular attention is paid to the Israeli occupation and gender expectations. The students' mobility is facilitated by completed degrees and diplomas, acquired skills and scholarships, all of which are potential tools to overcome restrictions. However, this study reveals a clash between aspirations and reality, which often results in limited freedoms. We argue that a student's relative (un)freedom contributes to (im)mobile transitions from university to employment or further education, where migration could be a way to obtain freedoms or to escape the lack thereof.

This paper traces challenges faced by six Arab women from three different Arab localities -- Palestinian Arab society in Israel, Palestinian Authority territories, and Jordan -- on their path to appointment as school principals, investigating how they cope with the challenges involved in women's leadership in a patriarchal society. Qualitative methodology employed in-depth interviews to elucidate the life stories of six Arab women principals. Findings show that the women's professional careers were empowered by family support. They report various difficulties and obstacles that they needed to overcome, especially since they are expected to continue to fulfil their homemaker role while complying with the requirements of their demanding profession. It is concluded that Arab women who attain educational leadership posts employ their strong characteristics, their empowered agency, and the values they acquire and represent to improve their social status, transform their personal and professional identity, and improve their resources despite restrictive cultural norms. Enlisting support from their families and other resources, they overcome barriers on the path to principalship. It is recommended that government policy in the studied societies should encourage women to undertake senior roles in education and provide the necessary mentoring and support to ensure their success. Further implications of the findings are discussed.

This study was designed to evaluate the dimensionality, internal consistency, and validity of scores on the Arabic Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory--Short Form (PTGI--SF). This brief 10-item form of the PTGI self-report measure was administered to a sample of Arabic-speaking professional helpers (N = 338) working in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. Scores were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. The findings suggest that the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the PTGI--SF make it appropriate for assessing posttraumatic growth in the broader Arabic-speaking population.

Despite being a protracted refugee crisis that entails international debates and controversies, discussions about Palestinian education have frequently sidelined the perspectives, needs and priorities of the Palestinian refugee population. Drawing upon a qualitative study in the West Bank and engaging with theoretical ideas of Johan Galtung, Paulo Freire and Pierre Bourdieu, we argue that the nexus between educational motivation and motivation for Palestinian liberation, which was particularly significant during the periods of 'Palestinian uprising', seems to be declining today in the present day context of oppression and structural violence. The growing disassociation among young refugees with Palestinian liberation, and with education as a means to this liberation, can be seen as a process of symbolic violence. Building upon these findings, we propose a new analytical framework for understanding the interrelationship between education, violence and struggle for social and political transformation in conflict-affected societies.

The purpose of this paper is to share the evolution of a sociological framework to investigate the experience of teaching and learning music in relation to the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in the occupied Palestinian territories. The primary foundation of the framework is Christopher Small's (1998) theory of musicking, supported by the concept of third place from urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg (1999) and the reconceptualization of music education as cultural practice suggested by educational researcher Rubén Gaztambide-Fernández (2007, 2011). Preliminary findings suggest that Small's theory is particularly apt because of its focus on ideal relationships between infinite combinations of people, places, and sounds. [This paper was presented at the 9th International Symposium on the Sociology of Music Education (2015).]

Background: Density is difficult to learn and teach in middle schools. This study, hypothesizing that the density concept develops as part of a conceptual system, used a conceptual change approach to teaching density. The approach emphasized the use of multiple strategies to teach the density concept and the associated concepts in the conceptual system. Purpose: This study assessed post-instructional understanding of different aspects of density in a sample of seventh grade students, examined the effectiveness of the multi-dimensional approach in teaching density, investigated the relations between prior student characteristics and their post-instructional understanding, and investigated if the concept of density develops as part of a conceptual system. Program description: In the first part of the study, student understanding of density was assessed in regular classrooms. In the second part, the investigator and a science teacher co-taught the density unit over a two-week period emphasizing relations between density, mass, volume, part-whole relations, and a scientific particulate conception of matter. A conceptual change approach was used which emphasized multiple representations of knowledge and the use of analogies. Sample: The sample in regular classes consisted of 1,645 seventh graders in 51 schools in the West Bank, Palestine. The intervention group consisted of 29 students in one school. Design and methods: The post-instructional understanding of density in 51 regularly taught classrooms was assessed in the first part of the study using a pencil-and paper test. In the second part, a pre-test was used with the intervention group. Students in both parts of the study took the same post-test. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe student performance. Comparison between pre-test and post-test performance of students in the intervention group was conducted using "t"-test and ANOVA. Correlations between pre-test sub-scores and post-test scores for students in the intervention class also were calculated. ?[superscript 2] was used to test for co-development of the density concept and other concepts using the different items of the post-test for all groups. Results: Student understanding of density was found poor after instruction, while the intervention had a moderate effect on understanding. Students who started with a basic understanding of some aspects of density gained more from the intervention. The density concept co-developed with the concept of volume and a particulate conception of matter. Conclusions: Teaching density as part of a conceptual system helps promote understanding of the concept. This requires the continuous development and refinement of a learning progression of density, volume, and the particulate nature of matter on the one hand, and an in-depth treatment while teaching the concept on the other hand.

We examined access to autism-related services among Palestinians (N = 24) raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the West Bank. Using qualitative methods, we identified five primary interview themes. Poor screening, diagnostic, and psychoeducational practices were prevalent, as parents reported service providers minimized parental concerns and communicated ineffectively with the caregivers regarding treatment options. Geographic barriers and financial burdens prevented many families from seeking or maintaining services. Limited service availability was a dominant barrier: parents reported limited or denied access to education, community-based services, and ASD-specific interventions. Consequently, several families noted their children did not receive any services whatsoever. Research, practices and policies to address the shortage of services for children with ASD are urgently needed in the West Bank.

Drawing on pictures, written sentences and interview contributions, this article explores some Palestinian children's perspectives in order to gain insights into some children's classroom fear in the light of its potential influence on learning. After presenting some existing research indicating a negative relationship between fear and young children's transformational learning, we explain the distinctions we make among different forms of authoritarian pedagogies and how all of these contrast with a transformational approach to schooling. We then report on the words and pictures of refugee Palestinian pupils as a starting point for reflecting on the associations between authoritarianism, coercion and fear in the classroom, how these might influence learning approached from a transformational perspective and what the implications for future practice might be.

In September 2011, I travelled to the Palestinian Occupied Territories to participate in an internship with the Al Kasaba Theatre in Ramallah. As part of my internship I was invited to attend rehearsals of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with students of the Drama Academy Ramallah. Directed by Samer Al-Saber, with movement and choreography by Petra Barghouthi, the production premiered as a work in progress in Palestine before touring to Essen, Germany, where it was presented as part of an Intercultural Shakespeare Festival organised by Folkwang University. In this paper, I draw on post-colonial theory to offer some observations about the various strategies of syncretisation that the production seemed to employ in order to localise, indigenise or "Palestinian-ise" Shakespeare's text. My analysis will attempt to illuminate some of the Palestinian cultural specificity introduced by the syncretic approach as well as offer some assessment of the potential and unintended impact that this approach might have engendered.

Schooling is now considered the major factor underlying the development of cognitive abilities. However, most studies on the effect of schooling on cognitive development have been conducted in free and generally supportive western environments. The possible variability of schooling effects between educational systems differing in the quality of schooling they provide or in the ability of the student population to benefit from schooling has been neglected. This work contributes to the study of this variability by estimating the effect of schooling on cognitive development in an educational system characterised by particularly unfavourable circumstances, which combine poor schooling quality and low ability of the student population to benefit from schooling due to economic disadvantage, military occupation, and political oppression: the UN Relief and Works Agency Palestinian refugee camps of the West Bank. The results indicate a lower contribution of schooling to children's cognitive development, both relative to that found in western countries and relative to the effect of age. Schooling is not the major factor underlying children's cognitive development in the refugee camps in the West Bank. These results illustrate the between-system variability of the schooling effects and suggest that poverty and oppression negatively affect the effect of schooling on cognitive development.

Since the concept of nationalism first emerged on the world stage, universities have played a key role in its collective formation and dissemination to the masses. Established under challenging circumstances and subjected to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the wake of the 1967 war, Palestinian institutions of higher education have trodden a thin line between the training of human resources requisite to their national movement and compliance with the dictates of a military regime bent on curbing such aspirations. This research examines the various roles played by Palestinian universities in the ongoing struggle for national independence. Spanning from its inception to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority, this collection of first-hand accounts, historical documents and critical analysis explores the evolution and adaptation of Palestinian higher education amidst three decades of social and political turmoil.

Juliano Khamis was born in Nazareth to a Palestinian father and a Jewish mother who had lived in Jenin for many years and supported the Palestinian opposition to the Israeli occupation. Juliano's mother Arna Mer Khamis established Elhajar Theatre in Jenin Refugee Camp in the Occupied West Bank with money awarded to her as winner of the Right Livelihood Award from the Swedish government--a prize considered to be a form of alternative Nobel Peace Prize. Juliano worked as a director in this theatre. After the death of Arna in 1994, the theatre continued its activities until it was ruined during the 2002 invasion by the Israeli occupation army. In 2003, Juliano returned to Jenin to see what had happened to the children who had acted in Arna's plays, and made the documentary "Arna's Children." In 2006, Juliano started the Freedom Theatre with his colleagues Jonatan Stancyk and Zakaria Zubeidi in a new location in Jenin Refugee Camp. Juliano had been an active defender of freedom on all levels, and this probably made him some enemies. On 4 April 2011, Juliano was killed at the entrance of his theatre, the Freedom Theatre, in Jenin Refugee Camp. The Freedom Theatre worked to create change on a national and international level concerning Palestine, and this tragic death has inspired many people to write about the legacy of Juliano and his mother. This article is the authors' attempt to put words on paper so that that legacy will not be forgotten. Here, they discuss the work of Juliano in an attempt to learn about the interaction of the people of Jenin with his activities and how that work affected their lives. It is a very simple account of what he tried to do on the cultural, social, and political levels for the Palestinian people. In this article, the authors use written accounts focused on the Freedom Theatre in Jenin and, in addition, they conducted interviews with people who were trained and later worked with Juliano to learn about their experience.

Palestinian youth face developmental, cultural, and political barriers that impede them from fully engaging in civic life. Non-traditional, youth-centered pedagogies of engagement, like community-based service-learning (CBSL), have shown promise to motivate marginalized populations and provide space and roles for them to form individual identities while developing civic skills. Using data collected through focus group interviews, this paper reports how West Bank youth who participated in a non-governmental organization's CBSL leadership program were impacted.

The present paper offers a reflection on school textbooks produced and introduced by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip from the year 2000 onward. The aim is to examine the debates over these textbooks, by situating them over the backdrop of larger geopolitical dynamics and intra-Palestinian social and political struggles.

A total of 450 women were interviewed in Mother and Child Health Care Centers in three cities in West Bank, Palestine, to assess attitudes toward wife beating. Overall, women perceived wife beating to be justified if a wife insults her husband (59%), if she disobeys her husband (49%), if she neglects her children (37%), if she goes out without telling her husband (25%), if she argues with her husband (11%), and if she burns the food (5%). Sixty-five percent of women agreed with at least one reason for wife beating, but there were statistically significant regional differences: Wife beating was most accepted in Jenin (73% acceptance of at least one reason) and least accepted in Hebron (55%). Lower level of education, not being employed, having more than one child, being married for fewer than 10 years, and making few household decisions were all associated with women's acceptance of wife beating. The implications of these results are discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)

This article describes the various capacity-building activities at the Institute of Environmental and Water Studies of Birzeit University during the past 10 years. It highlights the gained experience in advancing environmental science and engineering education and training programs as components of sustainable water and environmental management schemes. Furthermore, the major constraints faced, and future plans to sustain and enhance the capacity-building activities, are also introduced and discussed. Critical analysis of the past and ongoing educational and training programs provided clear evidence that environmental education and research capacity building in Palestine is still underutilized and threatened by a persistent lack of financial resources. The data presented should also be of interest to international agencies engaged in strengthening higher education. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the evaluation results of a training initiative, undertaken in Palestine, that targeted fresh graduates in information and communication technology ICT disciplines. It describes the implementation and results of a practical training model where industry and academia cooperate jointly to develop, upgrade and enhance students qualifications prior to their entrance into the labour market. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents the short-term results, one to two years from completion, of a newly implemented technology training program which targeted more than 450 students throughout West-Bank and Gaza Strip. The researchers traced the trainees endeavours and behaviours through their pursuit of jobs utilizing focus group meetings, individual interviews with stakeholders, and semi-structured interviews, as well as questionnaires, surveys, observations of on-going activities and interviewing staff, graduates and students. Findings: The training program attempted to promote practical training and develop entrepreneurial capabilities. The vast majority of the surveyed trainees felt that they gained valuable knowledge and experience in their field of specialization, and believed that the training was critical to their successful job search. They clearly agreed that the practical training they received via the training program was a necessary supplement to their theoretical technical education in university ICT programs. Practical implication: The initiative involves the establishment of ICT Centers of Excellence in close proximity to Palestinian universities, which annually graduate large numbers of ICT students. The program serves multiple purposes in that it enables the ICT training centres, the Centers of Excellence, to generate revenues while also providing a needed service within the community, to equip fresh graduates with state-of-the-art technical skills, thus increasing the chance of fresh graduates being hired into positions related to their university degrees, and shortening their job search. Originality/value: The model and program, presented in this paper describes a modern training framework, where students receive practical training through a third party institute that works in cooperation with universities and industry. The model, when adopted, relieves universities from the pressure of constantly modifying their curricula to comply with the ever-changing needs of the technology market, allowing them to pursue their stated goal of providing their students with a theoretical technical education. The training program also helps the market to differentiate the large number of ICT students and graduates from one another, based not only on area of study but also on concrete skill sets. (Contains 4 figures and 5 tables.)

This article assesses the potential of online news reporting to create discursive spaces for emphatic engagement--of bearing witness--at a distance, especially where human rights violations are concerned. Taking as its focus the emergent forms and practices of citizen journalism, it examines the spontaneous actions of ordinary people compelled to adopt the role of news reporter in order to bear witness to human suffering. Specifically, findings derived from three case studies of citizen journalism are presented: 1) the 2004 South Asian Tsunami; 2) human rights abuses in India's north-east region; and 3) the Palestinian Crisis in the Occupied Territories. In each instance, it is argued, citizen journalism engendered new approaches to eyewitness reporting, a process shown to have important implications for challenging familiar "us and them" dichotomies in news reports. (Contains 8 notes.)

Background: There is growing evidence of the impact on children's well-being of exposure to political conflict in such settings as the Palestinian territories. This study examined the impact of child-focused interventions involving structured activities, supported by provision of equipment and training of facilitators. The focus of interventions was participation in recreational, cultural and other non-formal activities supporting the development of resilience. Impacts were hypothesised on children's social and emotional well-being, relationships with parents and degree of future orientation. Methods: Two hundred and fifty children from the West Bank and 150 children from Gaza took part in the study. Of these 400 children, 300 comprised the intervention group. Fifty children from Gaza and 50 children from the West Bank comprised the comparison group. There were equal numbers of girls and boys in all groups, with similar proportions of children aged between 6 and 11 years, and between 12 and 17 years. Measures used were the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Parental Support Scale and the Hopefulness Scale: Youth Version. Assessment was made as children enrolled on the structured activity programmes (T1) and again twelve months later (T2). Results: There was no difference in the CBCL Total, Internalising or Externalising problem scores at baseline (Time 1) between the children who subsequently took the intervention and those who did not. Compared to children in the comparison group, children in the intervention group had lower CBCL total problem scores, externalising problem scores, and internalising problem scores at Time 2 compared to Time 1. Exposure to the intervention was not associated with changes in children's hopefulness, but those receiving the intervention in the West Bank did report improved parental support at Time 2. Conclusions: The intervention appeared successful in improving children's emotional and behavioural well-being but not hopefulness. It was also linked with increased parental support in some areas (those located in the West Bank).

Social scientists have explained the rise of suicide bombing since the early 1980s by focusing on the characteristics of suicide bombers, the cultural matrix in which they operate, and the strategic calculations they make to maximize their gains. The authors offer an alternative approach that emphasizes the interaction between Palestinian suicide bombings and Israeli government actions, analyzing the motivations, organizational rationales and precipitants for the 138 suicide bombings that took place in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza between October 2000 and July 2005. Using several sources, including Arabic newspapers, this study finds that much of the impetus for Palestinian suicide bombing can be explained by the desire to retaliate against Israeli killings of Palestinians; and that much of the impetus for Israeli killings of Palestinians can be explained by the desire to retaliate for suicide bombings.

Describes the introduction of an Education Management and Information System in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (led by the Palestinian Ministry of Education) in terms of educational goals targeted, usefulness of this system for rational organization and management of an educational system, and the impact of the availability and sound use of data on improving quality. Describes the political and educational circumstances of Palestine through September 2000. (SM)

"Protective presence," "advocacy" and "solidarity" are the three key elements in the work of ecumenical accompaniment. In this article, the author focuses on the third, "solidarity," and explores what it has to do with undertaking and promoting adult learning. The author shares her experience when she traveled to Palestine to take part in a church programme called the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), run by the World Council of Churches, to monitor human rights abuses and support peace efforts in the region. Nearing the end of her three-month stay, she reflects on the role adult learning can play in increasing understanding and promoting justice. (Contains 4 resources and 7 online resources.)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the morphological variations among collections of okra landraces in order to improve local varieties in Palestine. Eighteen okra accessions from various locations in the West-Bank region were evaluated for morphological variation. Different sixteen morphological traits were used for okra collection evaluation. The results revealed significant differences in seed color, leaf rib color, stem color, branching patterns, and fruit characteristics. Cluster and similarity analysis classified into two main clusters (I and II) with further sub-clusters. Genetic proximity did not strictly align with geographical boundaries, suggesting that factors beyond location influence genetic similarity. Cluster I exhibited greater diversity, with sub-clusters hinting at potential local adaptation. In contrast, Cluster II was smaller and less diverse, implying potentially distinct genetic origins. These findings provide insights for breeding strategies and germplasm conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the relationship between rural livelihood transformations and the land struggle in the West Bank between 1979 and the Oslo Accords. During this period, the Israeli adoption of the state land doctrine opened a new terrain of struggle, prompting specific responses among Palestinian rural communities. Bringing Agrarian Political Economy and Agrarian System Analysis in dialogue with Settler Colonial and Indigenous Studies, and relying on an extensive fieldwork, it analyses drivers and outcomes of de-agrarianization and semi-proletarianization in the villages of Al-Walaja and Wadi Fukin, showing how wage work in Israel contributed to uproot Palestinians from their land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite advancements in family planning (FP) services, several barriers persist in the Occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), blocking women's access to suitable, high-quality and equitable FP services. The aim of this study was to understand how healthcare providers perceive their abilities, barriers and opportunities in providing good quality FP services. Furthermore, it seeks to explore knowledge and training regarding FP among healthcare providers engaged in providing FP services. Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken from August to September 2022 in seven Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics distributed in three governorates and operating under the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) in the West Bank. Semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 health providers (Physicians, midwives and nurses), using an interview guide in Arabic language. Transcripts were subsequently analyzed using the six phases of reflexive thematic analysis. Results: FP services face various challenges, including shortages in resources such as staff, supplies, infrastructures and FP methods. Midwives possess significant potentials to offer accessible, high-quality, efficient and equitable FP services, yet, their capacities remain underutilized, representing a missed opportunity for a country like Palestine. The study provided a current overview of FP services while illustrating the need for quality FP services and the need for an updated continuous education and training, updated standardized guidelines and protocols and supportive supervision are needed across all levels of healthcare providers. Finally, providers reported a wide range of structural barriers to FP services. Conclusions: It is crucial to meticulously address both community-related and health system factors to enhance the fulfillment of FP needs and reduce unintended and closely spaced pregnancies. Policymakers should invest in the development of laws and regulations regarding FP services, promoting a comprehensive and holistic approach to FP services. This includes formulating supportive policies, capacity building of human resources and maintaining security of FP commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the late British Mandate period until 1967, a cohesive system of social and political arrangements took shape among the people of the Hebron district in the West Bank. This system, referred to here as the Hebronite alliance, was born of a continuous crisis and played a central role in cultivating harmony and co-liability among the people of the district and its expatriates. It promoted them as a collective and individuals and shaped the distinct pro-Hashemite character of the Hebron region. The strength of the alliance stemmed from the adoption of a unique social contract and a new regional 'Hebronite' identity that was a stable anchor for many Palestinians caught between the competing Palestinian, Jordanian, and pan-Arab national identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This commentary addresses three objectives: (1) to situate and contextualise the ongoing military assault on Gaza within longer colonial histories in Palestine; (2) to collate resources that can equip geographers—specialist and non‐specialist, academic and non‐academic—with resources to build decolonial politics on Palestine–Israel; and (3) to contribute to discussions on what we, as geographers, can do to support Palestinian calls for liberation. These objectives are informed by a strong conviction that now is not a time for equivocation or silence. Palestinians, both in Palestine and in exile, need robust support and solidarity. This commentary offers one example of the form this support and solidarity can take in the context of academia. It does so by calling forth our discipline's plural and deep commitment to justice and thoroughgoing critique of the deleterious power structures and colonial legacies that have brought us to this current moment of crisis in Palestine. This commentary addresses three objectives: (1) to situate and contextualise the ongoing military assault on Gaza within longer colonial histories in Palestine; (2) to collate resources that can equip geographers—specialist and non‐specialist, academic and non‐academic—with resources to build decolonial politics on Palestine–Israel; and (3) to contribute to discussions on what we, as geographers, can do to support Palestinian calls for liberation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide mothers are suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) which impairs mothers' well-being, children, and families, and leads to adverse outcomes for mothers and their growing newborns. Low and middle-income countries have a higher prevalence of PPD and limited studies about it. This study assessed the percentage of Palestinian mothers experiencing PPD nationally, identified mothers at a higher risk of PPD, and studied the correlation between PPD and mistreatment during childbirth. Methods: The study is based on a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). A total of 745 telephone-based interviews with mothers were done within 2–4 weeks post-childbirth. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used as a screening tool for PPD. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for analyzing the data. Results: In the context of descriptive epidemiology, we observed that 12.6% of the selected Palestinian mothers experienced PPD, with a higher occurrence of PPD among mothers living in the Gaza Strip, a politically and economically unstable region in Palestine, compared to mothers living in the West Bank (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOD: 2.2, Confidence Interval (CI): 1.4–3.44). Older mothers were two times more likely to develop PPD compared to young mothers (AOR: 2.03, CI: 1.070–3.84). Mothers who experienced disrespectful behaviors represented by any abuse, negligence, abandonment, ineffective communication, or poor pain management in childbirth settings were more likely to report PPD than those who were not exposed to the disrespect. Conclusion: A notable percentage of Palestinian mothers were identified as experiencing PPD, especially among mothers who experienced mistreatment in childbirth settings. It is essential to support healthcare providers to improve their practices and attitudes to eliminate mistreatment and abusive behaviors of mothers during childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the prevalence and the associated factors with meeting the recommended amount of physical activity among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients receiving care in resource-limited settings of the West Bank of Palestine. Physical activity was assessed using the World Health Organization's Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Associations were examined using multivariate logistic regression. Of the 302 patients included, 117 (38.7%) met the recommended amount of physical activity. Being younger than 58 years [aOR = 2.1 (95% CI 1.0–4.3], were employed [aOR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.1–4.9)], had high income [aOR = 3.9 (95% CI 1.3–11.9)], had thought that physical activity was crucial for T2DM patients [aOR = 32.7 (95% CI 3.9–275.5)], did not have comorbidities [aOR = 2.2 (95% CI 1.1–4.4)], had normal weight [aOR = 2.8 (95% CI 1.3–6.0)], and those who were overweight [aOR = 2.6 (95% CI 1.1–6.0)] were more likely to meet the recommended amount of physical activity compared to the patients who were 58 years or older, had low income, did not think that physical activity was crucial for T2DM patients, had comorbidities, and were obese, respectively. There is a need to increase physical activity among T2DM patients in resource limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the largest problems facing the world today is the morbidity and mortality caused by antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections. A major factor in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the irrational use of antibiotics. The objective of this study was to assess the prescribing pattern and cost of antibiotics in two major governmental hospitals in the West Bank of Palestine. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 428 inpatient prescriptions containing antibiotics from two major governmental hospitals, they were evaluated by some drug use indicators. The cost of antibiotics in these prescriptions was calculated based on the local cost. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM-SPSS version 21. Results: The mean ± SD number of drugs per prescription (NDPP) was 6.72 ± 4.37. Of these medicines, 38.9% were antibiotics. The mean ± SD number of antibiotics per prescription (NAPP) was 2.61 ± 1.54. The average ± SD cost per prescription (CPP) was 392 ± 744 USD. The average ± SD antibiotic cost per prescription (ACPP) was 276 ± 553 USD. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone (52.8%), metronidazole (24.8%), and vancomycin (21.0%). About 19% of the antibiotics were prescribed for intra-abdominal infections; followed by 16% used as prophylactics to prevent infections. Almost all antibiotics prescribed were administered intravenously (IV) 94.63%. In general, the average duration of antibiotic therapy was 7.33 ± 8.19 days. The study indicated that the number of antibiotics per prescription was statistically different between the hospitals (p = 0.022), and it was also affected by other variables like the diagnosis (p = 0.006), the duration of hospitalization (p < 0.001), and the NDPP (p < 0.001). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics and the cost of antibiotics per prescription were significantly different between the two hospitals (p < 0.001); The cost was much higher in the Palestinian Medical Complex. Conclusion: The practice of prescribing antibiotics in Palestine's public hospitals may be unnecessary and expensive. This has to be improved through education, adherence to recommendations, yearly immunization, and stewardship programs; intra-abdominal infections were the most commonly seen infection in inpatients and ceftriaxone was the most frequently administered antibiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to trauma symptoms and impaired mental health, especially when children are exposed to war and political violence. Despite significant attention to child's exposure to traumas, few instruments to detect potentially traumatic events have been validated psychometrically. Our study aimed to develop, adapt and validate a user-friendly traumatic events checklist in Palestinian children living in three areas affected by low-intensity war and ongoing political and military violence. 965 Palestinian children (494 males and 471 females) living in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem were administered with a tailor-made Traumatic Events checklist, Children Impact of Events scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Scale. Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analysis was run to detect the factorial structure of the checklist. Furthermore, ANOVA was performed to identify statistically significant demographic differences among participants. A three factors structure emerged with Political violence-related traumatic experiences (PVTE), military violence against individuals (MVI), and military violence against individuals and families (MVF). Gaza children and adolescents resulted in being the most exposed to potentially traumatic events. The instrument can clearly portray potentially traumatic experiences in children exposed to violent events and adverse childhood experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objetives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality rates. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a critical intervention for patients with coronary artery disease, yet it poses psychological challenges that can impact recovery. Methods: This prospective cohort study, conducted across six hospitals in the West Bank/Palestine, aimed to assess changes in depression, anxiety, and stress levels among CABG patients and identify associated factors. The Arabic version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was administered before (one week) and after surgery (two and three weeks). Results: Of the 200 participants, 116 were men (58%). High levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were observed both before and after surgery, with statistically significant reductions in all these variables after surgery (p < 0.001). Regarding demographic factors, age displayed a weak positive correlation with depression (r = 0.283; p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.221; p = 0.002), and stress (r = 0.251; p < 0.001). Sex showed a weak correlation with stress pre-surgery (r = −0.160; p = 0.024). Conclusions: Patient outcomes could be improved by early identification and the provision of efficient treatments such as psychosocial therapy both before and after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on the transition from conventional energy sources to sustainable renewable energy (RE) in Palestine, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The research aims to understand the relationship between key factors and residents' willingness to invest in the RE sector, with a specific focus on the impact of education. Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the study analyzes data from 400 residents through a questionnaire and employs ordinary least-squares regression analysis with Eviews 12. The key findings indicate that residents' inclination to invest in RE is significantly influenced by factors such as resource availability, knowledge level and power outages. Moreover, the study suggests that educated residents are more likely to invest in RE when factors such as knowledge, effort expectation, enabling conditions and resource availability are relatively high. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of policymakers' allocating sufficient funds to research and development to promote technological innovation in RE sources, thereby enhancing the population's energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Palestine, women face a challenging environment and a demanding lifestyle, which puts them at a higher risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the risk factors linked with abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) levels, gestational diabetes (GD), and gestational hypertension (GH) among pregnant women. The results was compared between women residing in cities or villages areas and those in refugee camps. Methods: Medical records (N = 7889) for pregnant women at primary healthcare centers in the North West Bank were reviewed for sociodemographic and medical data along with the reported fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin, and blood pressure in the first and second trimesters from July 2018 to July 2020. However, only 6640 were included in the analysis as 1249 were excluded for having multiple pregnancy or lost to follow up. Complications and risk factors were defined according to the available global guidelines. Then, descriptive analysis was used to show the percentages of different risk factors and complications among them. The correlation between the several characteristics and variables with these complications was assessed by calculating the odds ratios (OR) using logistic regression. P-values of <0.05 were considered significant. Results: The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy was the highest among women living in rural areas (9.8%) and grand multigravidity among refugee women (22%). The overall prevalence of anemia was higher in the second-trimester (16.2%) than in the first-trimester (11.2%), with anemic women in the first-trimester being more likely to be anemic in the second-trimester (OR = 8.223, P-value<0.001). Although anemia was less common in the first-trimester among refugees than among women living in urban areas (OR = 0.768, P-value = 0.006), it was more prevalent in the second-trimester (OR = 1.352, P-value<0.001). Moreover, refugee women were at lower risk than women living in urban areas of having GD (OR = 0.687, P-value<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.472, P-value<0.001) in the second-trimester. GH was associated with GD (OR = 1.401, P-value = 0.003) and DM (OR = 1.966, P-value<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence-based data on the considerable prevalence of pregnancy complications, anemia, GD, and GH among Palestinian pregnant women living in the north of the West Bank. Multi gravida, gestational age, Hb levels, and the type of settings were strong predictors of pregnancy complications. Therefore, a national plan is needed to ensure adequate maternal care for all, especially disadvantaged women, those in rural areas and refugee camps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geopolitical and socioeconomic challenges limit faculty development and clinical teaching in Palestine and many other developing countries. The first, and still only, Family Medicine (FM) residency program is a four-year program based out of An-Najah University in the West Bank. Training in primary care clinics occurs in the final two years and there are many challenges to adequate supervision in the clinical setting that were exacerbated during the pandemic. To improve the readiness for practice skills of 13 Palestinian FM residents a three-month tutorial program was organized in 2020. A nongovernmental organization (NGO) that has worked to support Family Medicine development in the region engaged experienced British and American General Practitioners trained as tutors to offer online tutorials. We examined the program as a case study to understand the factors that facilitated or impaired a positive virtual learning environment in a middle/low income country. Methods: The tutors and residents were divided into groups and met virtually between June and September 2020. Evaluations and session reports collected during the program, the text of an online chat, and responses to an online survey two years later were collected. Using thematic analysis techniques, we evaluated the value for the residents at the time and two years later and identified factors that facilitated or impaired a positive virtual learning environment. Results: Themes of knowledge, skills, attitudes, cultural disconnects, and tutorial logistics emerged. The group with the most stable tutor pairing, including one Arabic-speaker familiar with the context, was the most engaged. The all-female group formed a chat group to share real-time case questions during clinical practice and focused on skills (e.g. conducting a thorough medication review) and attitudes (e.g. open to sharing and discussing uncertainties). Other groups were less cohesive. Conclusions: Transnational tutorials that focused on clinical thinking and decision-making skills were most successful when the tutorial pair was stable, offered familiarity with the language and addressed cultural differences. Intrinsic factors such as lacking the motivation to participate and extrinsic factors such as unstable internet and rolling electric cuts, and clinical structures that made applying new skills challenging were more difficult to address but must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Investigating the relationship between physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms is a vital field of research globally. Nonetheless, this association remains unexplored in the context of older Palestinian adults, highlighting the need for additional research on this population. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between PA and depressive symptoms among older Palestinian adults. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Bank/Palestine with 266 participants. Data were collected using a PA socio-cultural adapted questionnaire (PA-SCAQ), the EuroQuol-5Dimensions-5Levels measure, and the Geriatric depression scale (GDS-15). Independent sample t tests and ANOVA tests were used to investigate mean differences in PA and GDS-15 scores between groups. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between study variables and the impact of the independent variable (PA level) on depressive symptoms. Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.01 ± 8.02 years (range: 55–86), women 51.9%. Lower levels of PA and higher depressive symptoms were recorded among women, participants ≥65 years, and with recorded diagnosed disease (p < 0.05). The regression analysis showed a negative significant correlation between PA and GDS-15 scores (β = −0.235, p < 0.001), when controlling for age (model 2), and for age and sex (model 3), significant associations were recorded, respectively (β = 0.192, p = 0.002), and (β = 0.14, p = 0.015). Conclusion: Participants who recorded higher depressive symptoms had a lower level of PA; regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercises can contribute to prevent depression symptoms in older adults. Highlights of the Study: Levels of physical activity (PA) levels are negatively associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. Women and participants ≥65 years recorded lower PA and higher depressive scores. Participants with musculoskeletal disorders, particularly arthritis, recorded lower PA and higher depression scores. Incorporating moderate-intensity PA interventions into mental health promotion programs can contribute to prevent or treat depression in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the normalisation of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on the part of their inhabitants. Focusing on the so-called 'non-ideological' settlements that evolved from ideological outposts into middle-class suburbs over the last three decades, this study engages spatial politics in Israel/Palestine in general, and the transformations of the settlement project in particular. Based on ethnographic research in the region, I argue that the acceptance and normalisation of the settlements among Israelis is closely related to their affective and aesthetic experiences. I focus on the co-production of space/territory, affect and aesthetics to show how physical transformations of the settlements since their establishment have turned many of these key nodes of the Israeli occupational apparatus into family-friendly communities, thus erasing the violence of the Israeli control over the Palestinians from settlers' lives. I further demonstrate that these notions are not disrupted even by one of the most prominent symbols and technologies of the occupation, the fence/wall. This study thus contributes to understanding of how the interplay of spatial, territorial, aesthetic and affective practices works to normalise colonial conquest and domination by making their manifestations seemingly natural and even appealing on the part of the privileged segments of the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders among the elderly worldwide. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of depression and anxiety and related risk factor among elderly attending Primary Health care (PHC) centers in Palestine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021 with a sample size of 380 participants aged =60 attending PHC centers in West Bank, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. We used the Geriatric ***Depression Scale-15 and the Geriatric anxiety Scale to screen for depression and anxiety, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of depression and anxiety. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 41.1 and 39.2%, respectively. Elderly people living in rural areas (aOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.72-4.20), uneducated (aOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.41-6.13), and without monthly income (aOR = 3.42; 95% CI: 1.52-7.61) were more likely to have depression. On the other hand, anxiety was independently associated with living in rural areas (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.23-3.04) and having non-communicable diseases (aOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.13-3.49). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are common in Palestine, a developing country with a lack of elderly related services. This should be emphasized at the national and regional levels where geriatric health care services are scarce. Such information is required by policymakers and external funding agencies in order to develop future agendas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) has a huge negative impact on the health of the mother and the family, both physically and mentally. Few postpartum depression studies have been done in Palestine. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and the most probable risk factor of PDD among Palestinian women in the northern West Bank. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 380 mothers, ages 18 and 44 years, visiting vaccination clinics with their infants after 7-12 weeks of delivery between 1 May 2022 and 30 June 2022. Postpartum women seeking care at the seven largest primary health care centers of the Ministry of Health in four cities in the Northern West Bank in Palestine were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and demographic and birth details. A score of 13 or higher was used to indicate PPD risk. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The median age of the participants was 27 years with a range of 26 years. A total of 129 women had an EPDS score of 13 or more, giving a prevalence rate of post-partum depression of 33.9%. The predictors of postpartum depression were stressful life events during pregnancy (p-value 0.003, OR: 2.1, 95% CI [1.27-3.4]), vacuum use during delivery p-values 0.002, OR: 4, 95% CI: [1.64-9.91]), low social support (p-value less than 0.001, OR: 2.5, 95%CI: [1.7-4.2]) and husband's low level of education (p-value less than 0.001, OR: 5.2, 95%CI: [2.7-10]). Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of PPD among Palestinian mothers in the northern West Bank. Our study found that PPD risk factors include lack of social support, the husband's low education, and stressful events during pregnancy. This will emphasize the importance of PPD screening and early intervention, especially among vulnerable women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescent students in the West Bank region of Palestine, with a particular focus on the impact of electronic device usage on their mental well-being. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1,140 adolescents enrolled in governmental secondary schools. We targeted schools located in Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron districts, which, respectively, represent the northern, central, and southern regions of the West Bank. We collected data on their sociodemographic characteristics, patterns of electronic device usage, scores from the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, all gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire. To explore the independent relationship between anxiety, depression, and various factors, we calculated odds ratios and their corresponding 95% CI using a binary logistic regression model. Results: The study revealed a prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety at 35.4% [95% CI: 32.7–38.3%] and moderate to severe depression at 23.9% [95% CI: 21.4–26.4%]. Notably, anxiety scores were significantly higher among females [OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.5–5.9], individuals with lower academic performance [OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1–5.4], and smokers [OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0]. Similarly, significantly elevated depressive scores were observed among females [OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3–3.1], those with lower academic performance [OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1–5.4], and smokers [OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.8]. Conversely, students who used electronic devices for shorter durations were less likely to experience depression [OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32–0.76] or anxiety [OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.32–0.69]. Conclusion: Considering the alarming rates of anxiety and depression in adolescents, along with their connection to the time spent using electronic devices, we strongly recommend the creation of initiatives and support networks to alleviate this issue's impact. Encouraging healthier lifestyles, such as reducing screen time and increasing physical activity, could potentially enhance the mental well-being of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the future of Christians in the Holy Land after five months of war. In Gaza, Christians represent a small minority of about 1,000 faithful in a population of 2.3 million. They have sought refuge in the Holy Family parish, which has provided them with food, water, and medical attention. In the West Bank, the closure of borders prevents them from accessing their jobs in Jerusalem, and tourism has come to a halt. Emigration puts the survival of Christians in the region at risk, as many no longer see a future there. The situation in Gaza is desperate, with shortages of food, fuel, and medical care. The reconstruction after the war is estimated to last until 2093. Christians residing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are facing a desperate situation due to the war in Gaza and the escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The region is experiencing a widespread economic crisis, with a record unemployment rate of 72%. The lack of pilgrims has left the local economy in ruins, affecting sectors such as religious tourism and the sale of souvenirs. Christians in the Holy Land are struggling for their survival and are calling for international solidarity to preserve the sacred sites. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has announced a second emergency aid package for Christians affected by the war in Gaza, which includes medicine, food vouchers, and support for education and housing. ACN will also support training programs for young Christians, providing them with new skills and employment opportunities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the book "Against Zionism - Portrait of a Colonial and Racist Doctrine" by Breno Altman, an anti-Zionist journalist of Jewish origin. The book addresses the genocide in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, presenting exhibitions made by the author on the program "20 Minutes" of the channel World Tensions. Altman describes Zionism as a brutal, racist, and colonial regime, and highlights the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people. The author also discusses the transformation of Gaza into a ghetto and the normalization of Israel with Arab regimes. The book is a call to fight for the liberation of Palestine. [Extracted from the article]

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