Over 97% of Gaza Schools and Universities Destroyed, Palestinian Ministry Reports

The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education stated that Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of 18 students and teachers in October. The ministry warned of the escalating consequences of targeting students and educational staff, and the destruction of educational institutions, which threatens the right to education for thousands of children and young people.

According to the ministry's monthly report released Tuesday, 14 school students were killed by shelling, gunfire, and direct targeting. The report also documented the deaths of four teachers: Mahmoud Qaffa, Wael Muslim, Diaa Abu Al-Rous, and Ahmed Abu Odeh. Additionally, three employees from the Islamic University, Shadi Abu Attaya, Sami Baroud, and Ashraf Dahlan, were killed when the university was shelled while students were present, also injuring several students. Academic Yasmine Al-Bubu from Palestine University was killed in a residential apartment bombing. Injuries were also reported among students, children, and education sector workers due to aerial and artillery shelling and gunfire, including attacks on schools and alternative educational tents.

The report highlighted that gunfire near areas adjacent to the "Yellow Line" caused study disruptions or delays in several regions, particularly south of Khan Younis and east of Deir al-Balah, Al-Bureij, and the northern Gaza Strip. The closure of crossings and the ongoing blockade prevented students with external scholarships from traveling, jeopardizing their opportunities to complete university education abroad.

The ministry noted that Israeli restrictions on essential supplies hinder efforts to reopen and rehabilitate educational institutions. These restrictions include building materials, tents used as alternative classrooms, school furniture, electronic devices, laboratory equipment, vocational training supplies, special education materials, kindergarten supplies, stationery, and printing materials. The ban on importing fuel and engine oil exacerbates the crisis by disrupting transportation, making it difficult for students to reach their schools and universities, and causing the shutdown of generators and engines essential for educational institutions. The lack of electricity also impacts classrooms, laboratories, and water desalination facilities.

Regarding material damage, the ministry reported that over 97% of Gaza's schools and universities have been completely destroyed. The remaining or alternative educational facilities remain vulnerable to targeting and damage. The "Little Smile" kindergarten was completely destroyed by the bombing of a residential building in the Al-Safawi area of Jabalia, with the adjacent Al-Zahra Private School also destroyed by the blast.

The ministry emphasized that the impact of these attacks extends beyond human losses and building destruction to the psychological state of students, children, and teachers, citing fear, accumulated trauma, loss of relatives, and constant threats to life, which affect their ability to concentrate, feel secure, and continue learning. The ministry warned that continued violations without accountability threaten to undermine the right to education and weaken the Palestinian society's knowledge base. It called on the international community, the United Nations, and human rights and humanitarian organizations to intervene to protect students and teachers, stop targeting educational institutions, and ensure the entry of necessary materials for rehabilitation and the continuation of the educational process in Gaza.