**Gaza Students Return to In-Person Schooling for the First Time in Three Years**
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza returned to in-person schooling for the first time in nearly three years. This significant development comes amidst challenging conditions, as many students are attending classes in damaged or makeshift buildings and tents. The ongoing economic crisis has made essential school supplies such as uniforms, notebooks, and pens unaffordable for many families.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 98% of schools in Gaza have been either destroyed or damaged due to the recent conflict. Gaza education officials estimate that around 660,000 students have been deprived of regular education and in-person learning during this period. The reopening of schools marks a fragile milestone for the region, which has seen devastating impacts from the conflict that has resulted in the deaths of approximately 22,000 students and over 770 education workers, including 532 teachers.
Moayed Abu Mustafa, a student from Khan Younis, expressed his determination to learn despite the difficult circumstances. "The last time I have been to school was three years ago. Now, we are starting the school year; it is a year of joy, happiness, and success," he said. He noted the challenges he faces, such as sitting on the floor in a tent without proper ventilation and lacking basic school supplies.
Fifteen-year-old Samar Abu Salmi, who is also returning to school while living in a tent with her family, shared her experience. "We studied on phones and we haven’t seen our teachers… now, we are back pursuing our dream… from one tent to another," she stated. She lamented the loss of access to affordable school supplies, saying, "Before the war, everything was available for us – notebooks, pens, goods, clothes, outings, things that we could get cheaply."
In response to the urgent need for educational facilities, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with international and local organizations, has established temporary schools made from tents, tarpaulins, sheet metal, and wood. These makeshift schools are designed to accommodate students, with some classrooms featuring only basic items like mattresses and blackboards. However, many of these facilities are also housing displaced families, further complicating the situation.
Yamen Abu Samra, a 14-year-old student, voiced his concerns about safety while attending school. "We used to wake up happy to go to school… Now, when we come to school, we’re afraid of stray bullets, rockets, strikes, everything," he said. He described his current classroom as a tent that offers little comfort, stating, "Now, I’m sitting in a tent that has absolutely nothing, just the sun and the heat."
Education officials predict that at least 540,000 students will attend in-person classes this academic year, utilizing makeshift private schools, temporary learning centers, and educational points supported by UNICEF. For those unable to attend classes or who have left Gaza during the conflict, online learning will continue to be an option.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the availability of educational resources. Khaled Aliyan, a stationery trader, highlighted the effects of Israeli import restrictions on prices and supplies. "This notebook, which used to cost 3 shekels ($1), now costs 15 shekels. All stationery items are expensive," he stated.
Despite the ceasefire that ended major fighting last year, Israeli forces continue to control more than 60% of Gaza, leaving the region in a state of uncertainty. Palestinian authorities report that over 73,000 people have died as a result of the conflict, which escalated following an attack by Hamas-led fighters that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in southern Israel in October 2023.
As students return to classrooms, the challenges they face highlight the broader issues of education and safety in Gaza. The commitment of both students and educators to continue learning under such difficult circumstances reflects a resilient spirit amidst the ongoing turmoil.