Thousands of schoolchildren in Gaza have lost their lives since the beginning of the Israeli genocidal war more than two years ago, with education officials reporting that over 19,000 enrolled pupils have been killed and tens of thousands more injured. Entire neighbourhoods that once hosted schools, nurseries, and playgrounds have been left in ruins, leaving young people without classrooms, safe spaces, or the sense of normality that education once provided.

Marking World Children’s Day, local education authorities stressed that the scale of destruction has torn apart the very foundations needed for children to grow, learn, and feel protected. They emphasised that while the day is meant to reaffirm global commitments to children’s rights, Palestinian children continue to face daily threats across Gaza, Jerusalem, and parts of the West Bank—areas where restrictions, settler violence, and military actions have become part of everyday life. Officials say that behind each statistic lies a child whose future was abruptly stolen, a reminder that the human impact extends far beyond numbers.

Education leaders warn that the damage inflicted on Gaza’s schools and community centres will have long-lasting consequences unless decisive steps are taken. They call for urgent protection measures for pupils, serious investment in rebuilding education facilities, and expanded psychosocial support to help children cope with the trauma they have endured. They also stress that ensuring access to safe, high-quality education is essential for preserving resilience and providing young people with a sense of stability amid the continuing devastation.