Hundreds of thousands of Gaza’s children are returning to in-person schooling after nearly three years. But while the milestone is significant, it is hardly cause for celebration. Every school in the territory will be missing students who were killed by Israel’s bloodthirsty security forces. About 98% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and Unicef reports that some 660,000 students’ education has been affected by the Israeli onslaught. Those students are still thankful that their lives have turned out better than the 22,000 students and 770 education workers murdered by Israel.
Then there is the physical reality of the new academic year. With almost all school buildings unusable, students are crammed into tents, tarpaulins and sheet metal structures, with some classrooms furnished with only mattresses and a blackboard. Abject poverty means many parents can’t afford basics such as books, pens or uniforms. Some students who were able to take classes online or on the phone said it is the first time they have met their teachers.
Meanwhile, Unesco said 95% of university campuses in Gaza have been affected, with 22 of the 38 campuses completely destroyed. Over 1,100 university staff and faculty members have been reported killed. Gaza used to have an education rate of 97% before Israel’s bloodlust struck. Now, the Palestinian Ministry of Education has described the dismantling of the schools and universities as “educide”, which is catchy, but takes away from the actual genocide around the schools.
Experts have noted that the assault on education is not just causing pain today or even tomorrow. The damage done by Israel will reverberate for several decades, as Gaza struggles to cope with the loss of hundreds of doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers who could have helped the impoverished territory rise. The poverty rate in Gaza is over 90%. Even if hostilities stopped today, the area lacks the base to sustain its student population through high school, let alone university. The international community could change this, but for that they would have to care.
