BBC News - Gaza schools in crisis since start of Israel war | BBC News
Since October 7, 2023, all educational institutions in Gaza have been closed due to the ongoing conflict. The Palestinian Ministry of Education reports nearly 13,000 student deaths and 21,000 injuries, with 598 teachers killed. Additionally, 425 government schools have been bombed by the Israeli military. Juliet Tumer from the UN Relief and Works Agency highlights the devastating impact on education, noting that even if a ceasefire occurs, many schools are unusable. The prolonged absence from school risks losing a generation to exploitation, child labor, and recruitment into armed groups. Psychological support is crucial, as over a million children in Gaza are emotionally scarred. The entire population of Gaza, about 2 million people, faces significant mental health challenges due to the war. The physical destruction extends beyond schools to universities and other institutions, necessitating massive reconstruction efforts. However, rebuilding the social fabric and addressing psychological scars are equally important for recovery.
Key Points:
- Nearly 13,000 Palestinian students and 598 teachers have been killed since the war began.
- 425 government schools in Gaza have been bombed, severely disrupting education.
- Prolonged school closures risk a generation falling into exploitation and armed group recruitment.
- Over a million children in Gaza are psychologically scarred, needing urgent mental health support.
- Reconstruction efforts must focus on both physical infrastructure and social healing.