Third Year Without Schools Deepens Gaza’s Education Crisis

Third Year Without Schools Deepens Gaza’s Education Crisis
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Gaza is entering its third consecutive year without regular schooling, as the education system faces near-total collapse following two years of war that destroyed roughly 80 percent of its schools. Many surviving school buildings are being used as shelters for displaced families, worsening already dire humanitarian conditions.

The UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa warned that prolonged disruption risks the loss of an entire generation of Palestinian children. He urged authorities to ensure all children are reintegrated into learning by February, cautioning that continued delays could push the crisis into a fourth year without education.

Following the ceasefire that took effect on October 10, UNICEF and its partners managed to return about one-sixth of Gaza’s students to temporary learning spaces. However, ongoing displacement, damaged infrastructure, and shortages of basic services continue to hinder progress.

Many teachers remain unable to resume work as they struggle to secure food and water for their families. According to official figures, the war that began on October 7, 2023, has killed over 20,000 students and injured more than 31,000 in Gaza. In the West Bank, 148 students have been killed and more than 1,000 injured, underscoring the severe toll on education across the Palestinian territories.