Attachments
The education system in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) is in a state of profound crisis, with both Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem facing devastating challenges that threaten the future of millions of children. Years of conflict, displacement, and systemic inequities have severely undermined access to education, leaving countless children without the essential support, structure, and hope that schooling provides.
Situation Overview in the Gaza Strip
The war has, until now, severely impacted the education system, with all children in the Gaza Strip denied access to formal education and the essential protective support it provides.
The ongoing war, persistent cycles of violence and displacement have profoundly affected the psychosocial well-being of children in Gaza, with over 658,000 school-aged children currently having no access to formal education. These children have already lost an entire academic year, with 39,000 unable to sit for their transitional exams (Tawjihi).
The learning loss and destruction of the education system in Gaza are unprecedented, exacerbating the already critical mental health crisis among children and youth. Approximately 95.2% of 564 school buildings in Gaza have suffered damage, with nearly 88% needing significant reconstruction before functioning again. As of 31 th Decem-ber 2024, 12,035 students and 492 education personnel had been killed, and 19,379 students and 2,603 educa-tion personnel had been injured (source: MoE). Many of those injured face lifelong disabilities and significant challenges. UNICEF estimates that nearly all of Gaza’s 1.2 million children require mental health and psychosocial support.
Relentless attacks on schools in 2024 have resulted in extensive loss of life, destruction of educational infrastruc-ture, and discouraged enrollment in temporary learning spaces (TLSs). The few remaining structures are used as shelters, forcing children to learn in makeshift tents, open spaces, or damaged buildings, especially during the harsh winter. These spaces lack proper temperature control and cannot accommodate all learners, severely hindering education access. Restrictions on educational supplies have further limited partners’ ability to address these challenges.