Israel School Year Commences Amid Death and Destruction for Gaza Children

As students in Israel eagerly started their new school year with fresh backpacks and supplies, a sharp contrast played out in Gaza, where many children have either lost their lives or seen their schools reduced to rubble.

This year, Israel prepared to welcome over 2.5 million students across the country, including kindergarteners, high schoolers, middle school students, and elementary pupils, totaling a significant education workforce of teachers, staff, and principals.

In stark contrast, Palestinian children in Gaza have been unable to return to school as the academic year remains suspended due to Israel’s ongoing offensive that commenced on October 7, 2023. Tragically, more than 10,000 students in Gaza have been killed, 15,000 wounded, and 19,000 displaced as a result of Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian Education Ministry.

The impact of the conflict extends beyond student casualties, with at least 400 teachers killed, 90% of school buildings damaged, and 58,000 children in Gaza deprived of starting first grade. The toll on civilians has been immense, with nearly 41,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, killed, and around 95,000 wounded in the attacks.

For Bahaa and Batool, both 17-year-old high school students in Gaza, aspirations of taking the university entrance exam were shattered by the ongoing violence. Bahaa, like many others, expressed the stark reality of post-war survival, focusing on basic needs like water and food instead of academic pursuits. Batool, who dreamed of studying dentistry, now finds herself displaced and unable to pursue her education.

The destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure has had far-reaching consequences, leaving an entire generation with disabilities, trauma, and limited access to learning. A recent assessment revealed that over 85% of schools in Gaza, including those run by the UN, have suffered partial or complete damage due to prolonged Israeli attacks.

As families like Mona Mohammed Abu Aida’s continue to seek refuge in schools turned shelters, the start of a new school year marks another year of missed opportunities for the children caught in the conflict. The ongoing crisis has left many questioning where they can turn for safety and stability, as the cycle of violence perpetuates further uncertainty for Gaza’s youth.