Children in Gaza have begun returning to school, despite the ongoing trauma from the conflict. Many are learning in tents or in the ruins of schools that once served as shelters during the war. However, the threat of further violence, ongoing aid blockades, and deep psychological scars could hinder their efforts to continue their education.
UNICEF reports that at least 14,500 children have lost their lives in the conflict, with thousands more injured. More than 400 teachers have also been killed, and most children in Gaza now require mental health support due to the trauma, according to aid organizations.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has caused significant disruption to education. Kate McLennan, Middle East regional advisor for War Child, explains that children are not simply picking up where they left off. The war has led to substantial learning loss and has left a deep psychological impact on the children. Schools, which were once places of safety and learning, have now become symbols of trauma, as many were used as shelters during the conflict.
A fragile truce between Hamas and Israel was declared in January. By March 3, more than 150,000 students had enrolled in 165 government schools, with over 7,000 teachers mobilized, according to the UN and Gaza’s Ministry of Education. However, the situation remains dire, with significant barriers to access and resources.
According to a report from the Occupied Palestinian Territory Education Cluster, more than 658,000 school-aged children in Gaza still lack access to formal education. Almost 95 percent of schools have been damaged due to Israeli airstrikes and fighting. Of these, 88 percent require major repairs. Desks and chairs have been destroyed, and teaching materials are in short supply. Aid blockades imposed by Israel have delayed reconstruction efforts and the establishment of temporary learning spaces. Alun McDonald, head of media and external relations at Islamic Relief, highlighted that hundreds of large tents meant for temporary classrooms have been blocked from entering Gaza, even during the ceasefire.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned of a potential hunger crisis if the blockades continue. Israel asserts that the blockades are intended to pressure Hamas during ceasefire negotiations.
“Children can’t learn when they are being starved and bombed,” said McDonald. “Getting children back to school is a critical priority, but the challenges are enormous.”
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an incursion, triggering an Israeli military response. According to Gaza health officials, more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting. Israel reports that 1,200 people were killed by Hamas, and 251 hostages were taken.
In addition, Israel recently stopped the delivery of food, medicine, and fuel to Gaza and cut off electricity to the region, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Aid organizations warn that these measures could threaten access to clean water.
Around 32,000 students have registered to take their final high school exams, but a lack of tablets, internet access, and charging stations is hindering the process, according to the UN. There is also a shortage of large tents and supplies for recreational and psychological support, as restrictions on aid shipments have intensified. In February, ten trucks carrying essential educational supplies were blocked from entering Gaza.
Psychological trauma also remains a significant barrier to learning. McLennan emphasizes that children’s brains are not ready to absorb academic content unless their emotional and psychological needs are addressed. The trauma they have experienced directly impacts their ability to learn.
A study by academics and UNRWA last year warned that the war could set back Gaza’s education system by as much as five years. “The lost education will affect an entire generation of children in Gaza for the rest of their lives,” concluded McDonald from War Child.
