In Gaza’s Beit Lahiya, students are attending makeshift classes in the dangerous ‘yellow zone’ near Israeli positions. Seven-year-old Tulin prepares for her first day of school in two years, amidst the sound of nearby gunfire, filling her mother with terror.
Tulin’s mother walks her daughter to school, fearing for her safety, as the journey is perilous. “Until my daughter gets to school, I honestly walk with my heart in my hand,” she said.
The Israeli war has destroyed Gaza’s educational infrastructure, forcing families to create “tent schools” near Israeli forces. Tulin’s teacher describes a harrowing daily routine, with education frequently interrupted by sniper fire.
“We tell the children: ‘Take the sleeping position’,” the teacher said, praying no injuries occur. Students like Ahmed, who lost his father in the war, are determined to learn, despite the risks.
Unbearable Conditions
The situation is dire, with 98% of Gaza’s schools damaged or destroyed, affecting 638,000 school-aged children. UNICEF’s Kazem Abu Khalaf calls it “one of the biggest catastrophes”.
UNICEF has established 109 temporary learning centers, serving 135,000 students, but faces logistical challenges. Virtually no educational materials have been allowed into Gaza since October 2023.
The psychological scars are evident, with severe developmental regression among students. UNICEF plans a “Back to Learning” campaign, targeting 200,000 children, but success depends on Israel lifting restrictions.
Gaza’s education system is on the brink of collapse, with 88% of schools requiring rehabilitation or reconstruction. The human toll is staggering, with thousands of children traumatized.
The ban on educational materials exacerbates the crisis. UNICEF emphasizes that lifting restrictions is crucial for Gaza’s children to return to school.
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