The Impact of War on Education in Gaza: A Crisis for Children

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has persisted for over two years, has severely disrupted the education of Palestinian children. A recent report led by the University of Cambridge highlights the dire situation, indicating that many children are too traumatized and malnourished to engage in learning. The report emphasizes the urgent need for international aid to support education across Palestine, regardless of the current ceasefire status.

After more than two years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and 'like the living dead' – reportSciTechDailyCounterCurrents.org

As of October 2025, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 18,069 students and 780 education staff had been killed, with 26,391 students and 3,211 teachers injured due to the conflict. The war has led to the destruction of more than 97% of schools in Gaza, forcing families to create makeshift "tent schools" in unsafe areas. These temporary educational facilities, such as the Lulwa Abdel Wahab al-Qatami School, now serve as the primary learning environment for approximately 1,100 students, operating in shifts due to limited resources.

Gaza children return to school, traumatized by the war

The report warns of a potential "lost generation" as children have missed an estimated five years of education due to repeated school closures since 2020, first from COVID-19 and then from the ongoing conflict. Many children report feelings of despair and trauma, with some stating they feel "like the living dead." The psychological impact is profound, as children struggle with anxiety and trauma, complicating their ability to learn.

After more than two years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and 'like the living dead' – report

Teachers in Gaza are described as demoralized yet committed, working tirelessly under challenging conditions. The report estimates that restoring education across Palestine will require approximately $1.38 billion. However, funding remains critically low, with only 5.7% of the requested $230.3 million for education in 2025 provided by July. Community initiatives, such as those led by individuals like Ohood Nassar, who established an educational tent for displaced children, highlight grassroots efforts to provide some form of education amidst the chaos.

After more than two years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and 'like the living dead' – report

Dr. Maha Shuayb, Director of the Centre for Lebanese Studies, stresses that education must not be an afterthought but a vital source of stability. The report calls for immediate international support to address the educational and psychological needs of children in Gaza. Despite the grim circumstances, there are signs of hope, such as the resumption of high school exams during the ceasefire, which some educators described as a "miracle."

After more than two years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and 'like the living dead' – report

While the report presents a bleak picture of the educational crisis in Gaza, it also notes that some schools have reopened, albeit in a limited capacity. The Israeli military has claimed that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure for operations, but evidence supporting these claims is often lacking. This ongoing conflict complicates the educational recovery process, as many schools remain damaged or repurposed for shelter.

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• “A year ago we said education was under attack – now children’s lives are on the brink of a complete breakdown.” — Professor Pauline Rose, Director of the REAL Centre, University of Cambridge

After more than two years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and 'like the living dead' – report

• “Education and children’s services cannot be an afterthought. They are a vital source of stability and care.” — Dr. Maha Shuayb, Director of the Centre for Lebanese Studies

After more than two years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and 'like the living dead' – report

• “to compensate students for what they lost.” — Dr. Mohammed Saeed Schheiber, Principal of Lulwa Abdel Wahab al-Qatami School

Gaza children risk snipers to attend tent schools after years without education

The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with the future of an entire generation hanging in the balance. The need for comprehensive support and reconstruction of the educational system is more urgent than ever.

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