In-person education resumes in the Gaza Strip after nearly three-year break — Asharq Al-Awsat
In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory, hundreds of thousands of children returned to in-person education on September 19 for the first time in nearly three years. Classes are being held in damaged buildings, temporary classrooms and tents, while school uniforms, notebooks and pens remain unaffordable for many families, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
Classes in tents and temporary centers
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, 98% of schools in Gaza were destroyed or damaged during the war. Gaza education officials say that around 660,000 students were deprived of access to in-person education and regular participation in the educational process.
The Ministry of Education, with the support of international and local organizations, has launched the 2026–2027 school year by setting up dozens of temporary schools made of tents, tarpaulins, metal sheets and wood. Some classes are held directly on the sand, while some classrooms have only mattresses and a blackboard. Dozens of displaced families still live in some schools.
According to education officials, at least 540,000 students are expected to attend in-person classes this year at temporary private schools, learning centers and educational points with UNICEF support. Distance learning will continue for children who cannot attend classes or who left Gaza during the war.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Losses and shortage of school supplies
Ibrahim Ramadan, the education director in eastern Khan Younis, said that around 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, were killed as a result of the conflict.
Students who returned to education spoke about a shortage of basic items and danger. Fifteen-year-old Samar Abu Salmi, who lives in a tent with her family, said that she had previously studied by phone and had not seen teachers for a long time. Fourteen-year-old Yamen Abu Samra said that he fears stray bullets, rockets and strikes when he comes to classes.
Stationery seller Khaled Aliyan said that due to import restrictions imposed by Israel, the supply of goods has declined and prices have risen. According to him, a notebook that previously cost three shekels is now sold for 15 shekels. Israel’s military agency COGAT did not respond to a Reuters request regarding supply restrictions and strikes on schools.
