The education system in Gaza—once a symbol of resilience—is now under siege, with Israeli forces systematically destroying schools, universities, and libraries, imperiling an entire generation’s future.
Introduction
In Gaza, a relentless campaign of destruction by Israeli forces has crippled the education system, forcing students and educators into precarious circumstances.
With schools bombed, families displaced, and nearly 95% of educational infrastructure damaged, Gaza’s next generation faces a future marred by lost opportunity and trauma.
The international community’s failure to intervene exacerbates the crisis, leaving vulnerable children without the tools to rebuild.
The Systematic Destruction of Gaza’s Educational Infrastructure
For over a year and a half, Gaza has experienced targeted assaults on its educational facilities. Schools, universities, and libraries have not only been bombed, but repurposed for military use.
As a result, more than 240 schools are severely damaged, and 111 have been completely destroyed. This concerted attack on educational infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to erase Gaza’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
Effect on Students and Educators
The consequences of this destruction are felt directly by students and educators. More than 720,000 Palestinian students have had their education interrupted, many of them displaced multiple times as schools are bombed and repurposed.
The psychological toll on students, who are losing family members or suffering trauma from ongoing attacks, is profound. These disruptions have affected academic schedules, with exams postponed multiple times, further hindering academic progress.
The Role of International Law and Accountability
International bodies have condemned Israel’s actions, emphasizing the violation of international law by targeting educational institutions.
The term “scholasticide” has been used to describe this deliberate eradication of education in Gaza. However, despite these calls for accountability, international action remains insufficient.
With limited efforts to rebuild or protect educational spaces, the global community’s failure to act decisively only deepens the crisis.
The Growing Impact of Malnutrition and Psychological Strain
As if the physical destruction wasn’t enough, the ongoing blockade and lack of humanitarian aid have led to severe malnutrition, further impeding children’s ability to focus and learn.
Lack of food, particularly essential vitamins and nutrients, stunts children’s cognitive development, making it difficult for them to retain what little education is available.
On top of this, the psychological strain caused by constant bombardment and displacement has left many children unable to cope, with some losing the will to pursue education altogether.
Educational Infrastructure in Gaza: Destruction Overview
| Governorate | % of Schools Damaged/Destroyed | Schools Completely Destroyed | Schools Repurposed for Military Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Gaza | 100% | 0 | Yes |
| Gaza Governorate | 92.8% | 241 | Yes |
| Rafah Governorate | 91% | 0 | Yes |
Community Resilience and Alternative Education Initiatives
Despite the overwhelming challenges, local initiatives have emerged to keep education alive.
In some areas, makeshift classrooms have been established, such as the Bisan Educational Tent in Al-Nuseirat, where volunteer teachers provide lessons to children who have lost access to schools.
Additionally, some international organizations have set up online learning platforms, but power outages and lack of devices severely limit their effectiveness.
The Long-Term Consequences for Gaza’s Future
If the current trajectory continues, Gaza’s long-term prospects are grim. With education severely disrupted, the next generation will struggle to rebuild both the educational sector and Gaza’s broader economy.
The lack of a proper education infrastructure will not only limit economic mobility but also perpetuate cycles of poverty, violence, and political instability. The destruction of educational spaces is an attack not just on the present, but on Gaza’s future.
Challenges Facing Gaza’s Education System:
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Over 720,000 students without access to education
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95% of schools in Gaza damaged
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Rising malnutrition rates impeding cognitive development
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Makeshift education initiatives inadequate due to lack of resources
In Conclusion
The destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure continues to undermine the future of an entire generation.
As international calls for action grow, it is clear that without significant intervention, the cycle of despair will continue. Gaza’s children deserve the chance to learn, grow, and rebuild their society.
Efforts to restore education must be prioritized to ensure that the next generation of Palestinians has the opportunity to flourish, despite the challenges they face.
Sources: Relief Web.
Fact Checked Sources: Ajazeera, CNN, and Global Education Cluster.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
