GAZA: Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children returned to in-person classes on Saturday for the first time in nearly three years, entering damaged schools, temporary classrooms and tents across the Gaza Strip.
UNICEF says 98% of Gaza’s schools were damaged or destroyed during the war, while local education officials estimate that around 660,000 students lost access to regular in-person education.
Despite the destruction, Gaza’s Education Ministry, supported by local and international organisations, has launched the 2026-27 academic year. Officials expect at least 540,000 students to attend physical classes, while others will continue studying online.
Temporary Schools Open Amid Widespread Destruction
Authorities have established dozens of makeshift schools using tents, tarpaulins, wood and sheet metal. Some classrooms contain little more than mattresses and blackboards, while some school buildings continue to shelter displaced families.
Ibrahim Ramadan, East Khan Younis education director, said the conflict had killed around 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers.
Meanwhile, students described returning to school despite lacking basic supplies and facing difficult conditions.
Fifteen-year-old Samar Abu Salmi, whose family lives in a tent, said returning to teachers offered an opportunity to resume pursuing her education.
Stationery Prices Add to Families’ Difficulties
Furthermore, families face sharply higher costs for notebooks, pens, clothes and other school necessities.
Stationery trader Khaled Aliyan said a notebook that previously cost three shekels now sells for 15, attributing shortages and price increases to Israeli import restrictions.
Israel’s COGAT agency did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment on restrictions or strikes involving schools.
Palestinian authorities say more than 73,000 people have been killed during Israel’s military campaign, launched after Hamas-led fighters killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel in October 2023.
Although last year’s ceasefire halted major fighting, Israeli forces continue to control more than 60% of Gaza.
