Gaza's Educational Crisis Deepens Amid Israeli Blockade And Bombardment

Twelve-year-old Mustafa has tragically succumbed to severe malnutrition and dehydration, a direct result of the ongoing Israeli blockade that has prevented essential aid from reaching Gaza’s starving civilians. This blockade has not only worsened the humanitarian crisis but also severely impacted Gaza’s educational infrastructure.

Israel’s targeting of educational institutes across Gaza has drawn international condemnation. "It is shameful, especially considering the global education crisis where more than 250 million children are out of school," said Talal al-Hathal, Director of the Al Fakhoora Programme at the Education Above All foundation in Qatar. He emphasized the dire situation facing Gaza's children, who are deprived of their basic right to education due to the relentless conflict.

Why This Matters: Hundreds of educational institutes in Gaza, including those run by the United Nations, have been bombed. These attacks have not only destroyed physical infrastructure but have also resulted in the deaths of students and teachers, leaving thousands of young learners traumatized. The psychological toll on Gaza’s children, who are constantly exposed to violence, cannot be overstated.

"The war will undoubtedly leave educational institutions, access to critical infrastructure, and the regularity of the education process in Gaza in a worse state than before," al-Hathal told Al Jazeera. The conflict has damaged nearly 400 school buildings, exacerbating the already dire situation in Gaza’s educational sector. The destruction has forced schools to serve as shelters, hosting nearly four times their intended capacity, further straining the beleaguered infrastructure.

The compounded effects of the blockade and bombing have made it nearly impossible for education to continue in Gaza. Students are unable to attend classes regularly, and teachers are struggling to provide education amidst the chaos. This situation has dire long-term implications for Gaza’s future, as education is critical for the development and empowerment of its young population.

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli blockade prevents aid, causing severe malnutrition and dehydration deaths.
• Bombing of educational institutes worsens global education crisis, says Talal al-Hathal.
• Hundreds of Gaza's schools bombed, students and teachers killed, infrastructure destroyed.
• War leaves Gaza’s education system in worse state, compounded by displacement.