Palestinian Statistics Agency Reports Low Illiteracy Rates Amidst Gaza Conflict

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) issued a statement on International Literacy Day, highlighting that illiteracy rates in Palestine are among the lowest globally. For 2023, the illiteracy rate for individuals aged 15 and over was 2.1%, significantly lower than the 19.0% in West Asia and North Africa and the global average of 13.0% in 2022.

The PCBS data for 2025 indicates a narrowing gap between male and female illiteracy rates in the West Bank. In 2025, the illiteracy rate was 1.0% for males and 3.2% for females aged 15 and over, a substantial decrease from 7.3% for males and 21.1% for females in 1997.

Illiteracy distribution varies by age and location within the West Bank. In 2025, the highest illiteracy rate was observed among those aged 65 and over at 17.5%, while the youngest age group (15-29) had the lowest rate at 0.8%. Rural areas recorded a higher illiteracy rate (2.3%) compared to urban areas (2.1%) and refugee camps (1.6%).

Collecting data for Gaza in 2024 and 2025 was impossible due to the ongoing conflict. However, data from 1997 to 2023 shows a significant decline in Gaza's illiteracy rate, from 13.7% to 1.9% by 2023. The statement also detailed the devastating impact of the conflict on education infrastructure in Gaza since October 7, 2023, reporting the destruction of over 179 government schools and 105 UNRWA schools, along with significant casualties among students and damage to university buildings. Information on university students detained by Israeli forces remains unavailable.