Story perspectives

UNICEF: 98% of Gaza Schools Destroyed, Reopening 540,000

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 2:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Palestinian officials reopen schools

Palestinian education officials reopened Gaza schools for 2026-2027, enrolling over 540,000 students.
UNICEF reported 98% of Gaza’s schools were destroyed or damaged in the war.
Ibrahim Ramadan said about 22,000 students were killed in Gaza.
He added more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, were also killed.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan calls for a deradicalized, terror-free Gaza zone without textbook or teacher-vetting details.

Summary

Trump lauds ceasefire

President Donald Trump praised the Board of Peace and said the Gaza cease-fire-hostage deal saved thousands.
He named 30 donor nations, including Morocco and Qatar, pledging billions, though most funds remain undelivered.
French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the absence of humanitarian corridors, calling the claimed peace a ‘shameful spectacle’.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned ceasefires are ‘lesser fires’ and urged multilateral de-escalation.

History

Historical Context

Operation Cast Lead (27 Dec 2008–18 Jan 2009) saw the IDF raze roughly 2,700 Gaza buildings, including most schools, and left over 80 % of residents dependent on aid. The United Nations warned lasting damage to livelihoods. The 2026-27 reopening of schools for 540,000 pupils, backed by Qatar and Morocco, aims to reverse that legacy.

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Palestinian officials reopen schools

Palestinian education officials reopened Gaza schools for 2026-2027, enrolling over 540,000 students.
UNICEF reported 98% of Gaza’s schools were destroyed or damaged in the war.
Ibrahim Ramadan said about 22,000 students were killed in Gaza.
He added more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, were also killed.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan calls for a deradicalized, terror-free Gaza zone without textbook or teacher-vetting details.

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