Full Breakdown
Education Crisis in Gaza After the 2023 War
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Impact on Schooling
The Israeli war that began in October 2023 halted the routine of Gaza’s schoolchildren. By April 2026, UNICEF reported that 700,000 children aged four to seventeen had missed almost three consecutive years of in-person schooling, with more than 420,000 still without any classroom attendance. Damage assessments indicate that roughly 98 percent of school buildings are impaired, and over 93 percent require major rehabilitation or complete reconstruction. The loss of physical schools and supplies has left an entire generation “at risk,” according to UNICEF Global spokesperson James Elder.
Teacher Shortages and Working Conditions
Even before the conflict, Gaza’s educators faced overcrowded classrooms and blockades. The war intensified these challenges: material deprivation, salary cuts, and psychological strain have driven many teachers to abandon their homes or travel long distances to temporary learning sites. Fuel shortages further impede commuting. The United Nations noted in April 2026 that unpaid or underpaid teachers are forcing schools to rely increasingly on volunteers, while some education workers have been killed during hostilities.
Trauma, Learning Gaps, and Emergency Education
Prolonged exposure to fear, displacement, and loss disrupts children’s attention spans and developmental trajectories, a finding supported by multiple National Institutes of Health studies. The Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies emphasizes that education in crises provides stability and protection, helping children begin to recover from trauma. UNESCO stresses that schooling offers routine, social interaction, and a sense of safety—elements essential for growth despite ongoing hunger and the threat of bombings.
Emerging Responses and Ongoing Gaps
Free temporary learning centers and education hubs now operate in tents across Gaza, offering three-hour daily classes on the ground. While these spaces restore some access to learning, they cannot replace the years of instruction lost. Private schools and fee-based education centers have also appeared, yet their costs place them beyond reach for most families. As reconstruction discussions continue, the need for safe, adequately staffed, and fully equipped schools remains a critical humanitarian priority.