The Palestinian Ministry of Education has reported that Israeli occupation forces have killed 12,820 students and injured 21,351 others since the start of their aggression against the Gaza Strip and the West Bank on 7 October 2023.

The Ministry revealed on Tuesday that 12,701 of the students killed were from Gaza, while 119 were from the West Bank. The number of injured students stands at 20,702 in Gaza and 649 in the West Bank. Additionally, Israeli forces have detained 542 students in the West Bank.

The Ministry further stated that 619 Palestinian teachers and administrative staff have been killed, and 3,831 others injured, with 158 detained in the West Bank.

In Gaza, 171 public schools were severely damaged, 77 schools were completely destroyed, and 191 schools were targeted by bombing and vandalism. This includes 65 schools managed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The higher education sector has also suffered devastating losses. Twenty higher education institutions in Gaza sustained severe damage, 51 university buildings were completely destroyed, and 57 were partially destroyed. In the West Bank, 109 schools were vandalised, and seven universities and colleges were repeatedly raided by Israeli forces, resulting in extensive damage to their facilities and resources.

The Ministry highlighted that 788,000 students in Gaza remain unable to attend schools or universities due to the ongoing aggression. It also noted that many students are grappling with severe psychological trauma and deteriorating health conditions.