Gaza's Education Crisis: New School Year Begins Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The commencement of the new academic year in Palestinian territories on September 9, 2024, has been overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. All schools in the region remain closed after 11 months of war, with no signs of a ceasefire on the horizon.

Israel has issued new evacuation orders for residents in northern Gaza Strip, citing recent rocket attacks into Israeli territory. This latest development has further disrupted the lives of Gazan families, many of whom have been displaced multiple times throughout the conflict.

The education crisis in Gaza is severe, with the Palestinian Education Ministry reporting that 90% of schools have been destroyed or damaged during Israel's military campaign. This devastating statistic highlights the long-term impact of the conflict on Gaza's youth and their future prospects.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), responsible for about half of Gaza's schools, has transformed many of its facilities into emergency shelters for displaced families. In an effort to provide some form of education and support, UNRWA launched a back-to-learning program in 45 of its shelters last month. This initiative focuses on activities such as games, drama, arts, music, and sports to help children cope with the psychological impact of the war.

Juliette Touma, UNRWA Director of Communications, emphasized the urgency of the situation:

"The longer the children stay out of school the more difficult it is for them to catch up on their lost learning and the more prone they are to becoming a lost generation, falling prey to exploitation including child marriage, child labour, and recruitment into armed groups."

The education crisis affects not only the 625,000 students already registered for school but also an additional 58,000 six-year-olds who should have begun first grade this year. This situation is particularly concerning given that Gaza has one of the highest literacy rates in the Middle East, at over 96%, and a predominantly young population with about 43% under the age of 14.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, humanitarian efforts continue. The United Nations is conducting a polio vaccination campaign targeting 640,000 children under 10 years old in Gaza. This initiative comes after the territory reported its first polio case in about 25 years, highlighting the strain on Gaza's healthcare system due to years of conflict and blockade.

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to Israeli tallies, 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage in the initial attack. The subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza has reportedly led to over 40,900 Palestinian deaths, as stated by the enclave's health ministry.

As the conflict persists, Gaza's 2.3 million residents continue to face numerous challenges, including severe water scarcity, electricity shortages, and one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. The ongoing crisis threatens to undermine the territory's rich cultural and archaeological heritage, as well as its potential for economic development through small-scale industries, agriculture, and services.

The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that will allow Gaza's children to return to school and rebuild their futures.