Gaza Children Return to Classrooms Amid Challenges

Hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza returned to in-person classes on Saturday for the first time in nearly three years, entering damaged school buildings, makeshift classrooms, and tents amid a severe shortage of basic supplies. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that 98 percent of schools in the Gaza Strip were destroyed or damaged during recent conflicts, while local education officials estimate that about 660,000 students have been deprived of regular, in-person learning. Ibrahim Ramadan, director of education for eastern Khan Younis, noted that approximately 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, have been killed. Student Moayed Abu Mustafa expressed his feelings about returning to school, stating, "The last time I have been to school was three years ago. Now, we are starting the school year; it is year of joy, happiness and success. Despite all of this, we will learn, we will learn even in a tent." Moayed mentioned he lacks proper shoes, a notebook, or a pen, and will sit on the floor in a tent. The Ministry of Education, supported by aid agencies, has established temporary schools using tarpaulins, sheet metal, and wood. Some classrooms consist of a few mattresses and a blackboard, while others still shelter displaced families. Fifteen-year-old Samar Abu Salmi, who lives in a tent with her family, noted that she can no longer afford school supplies that were previously inexpensive. Khaled Aliyan, a stationery trader, stated that Israeli import restrictions have increased prices fivefold, making all stationery items expensive. Israeli forces continue to control more than 60 percent of Gaza despite a ceasefire in October 2025 that halted large-scale fighting but left the underlying conflict unresolved.