UNICEF Reports 45,000 Palestinian Children Denied Education Amid Ongoing Conflict

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at least 45,000 six-year-olds are unable to start school, contributing to a staggering 625,000 children who have missed a full school year, TRTWorld revealed in an article yesterday citing UNICEF.

Since October 2023, all schools in Gaza have remained closed, preventing 39,000 students from completing their final year or taking crucial Tawjihi exams, essential for future educational opportunities.

UNICEF’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Director, Adele Khodr, emphasized the severe impact on children, stating they have lost homes, family, and the sanctuary of school, jeopardizing their futures. The situation is dire, with many older students facing risks of exploitation and dropout, while younger children struggle with cognitive and emotional development.

In the occupied West Bank, violence and restrictions have also hindered education for 782,000 students, with 8 to 20 percent of schools closed daily. UNICEF calls for immediate action to restore education and ensure a peaceful future for Gaza’s children.