In the Gaza Strip, education—a fundamental right and a beacon of hope—has been decimated by the ongoing Israeli aggression. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), approximately 660,000 Palestinian children remain out of school, with 88% of the strip’s educational infrastructure destroyed. This catastrophic loss is compounded by the harrowing statistic that over 14,500 children have lost their lives during this conflict, a grim testament to the genocidal toll on Gaza’s youngest generation.

Education, a pillar of stability and a pathway to a brighter future, faces insurmountable challenges in Gaza. Schools have been obliterated, classrooms reduced to rubble, and educational materials rendered inaccessible. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Gaza reports that 95% of educational facilities are severely damaged, with 85% entirely out of service. Over 140 administrative and academic buildings, including laboratories, libraries, and clinics, have been destroyed, leaving the education sector in dire straits.

The ministry has launched emergency plans for the 2024/2025 academic year, calling on international organisations and partners to provide urgent support. These plans include clearing rubble, restoring damaged buildings, establishing makeshift classrooms, and reviving basic services in preparation for resuming studies. Yet the obstacles remain monumental. Many children have been out of school for up to 300 academic days over two consecutive years, with power outages, lack of internet, and the destruction of devices making remote learning nearly impossible.

The war’s impact extends beyond infrastructure. More than 15,000 school-age children have been killed or are missing, while 50,000 others bear critical injuries, many with lifelong disabilities. The Ministry of Education warns that the number of disabled students in Gaza is set to rise fivefold, creating an urgent need for specialised support. Psychological trauma further compounds these challenges, as children exposed to unimaginable violence require urgent mental health interventions, counselling, and guidance to heal from the scars of war.

Despite the devastation, Gaza’s education ministry continues to advocate for the rights of its children, urging the international community to document and expose the crimes committed against the Palestinian people. The resilience of Gaza’s children, clinging to the hope of returning to school and reclaiming their futures, is a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit amidst the ruins. The world must answer their cries for justice, education, and dignity. Without urgent intervention, an entire generation risks being lost to the rubble of war.