The European Union has condemned Palestinian Authority (PA) textbooks for containing antisemitic content, incitement to violence, and glorification of jihad, according to a report released on May 1, 2026. The EU called for any future funding to the PA to be conditional on the removal of such material.
The report, based on a review of PA school curricula, found that textbooks continue to promote negative stereotypes of Jews and Israel, and include references to martyrdom and armed struggle. The EU has previously raised concerns about PA textbooks in 2023 and 2024, but this is the first time it has explicitly linked funding to textbook reform.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, 'We cannot continue to fund educational materials that undermine peace and fuel hatred. The PA must take immediate steps to align its curriculum with UNESCO standards of peace and tolerance.' The EU is the largest donor to the PA, providing over ā¬1 billion in annual aid.
Palestinian officials have rejected the report, arguing that the textbooks reflect Palestinian national identity and resistance to occupation. PA Education Minister Amjad Barham said, 'Our curriculum is based on Palestinian values and international standards. The EU report is biased and ignores the context of occupation.'
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over education in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli officials welcomed the EU report, while human rights groups called for independent monitoring of textbook content. The EU is expected to discuss funding conditions at its next foreign affairs council meeting in June 2026.
