日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
繁體中文
Dansk
// DOSSIER — gaza-students-resume-schooling-makeshift-facilities
Hundreds of Thousands of Gaza Students Resume Schooling in Makeshift Facilities After Three-Year Hiatus
REL_TIME: 26 Sep 2026 07:13Z · LANG: EN
In September 2026, over 500,000 students across the Gaza Strip returned to in-person education for the first time in nearly three years following extensive conflict. With approximately 98 percent of schools damaged or destroyed and many remaining structures serving as shelters, classes for the 2026–2027 academic year are largely taking place in plastic-sheet tents, temporary learning spaces, and damaged buildings. The Gaza Ministry of Education, UNICEF, UNRWA, and private/religious entities—including the Latin Patriarchate—are coordinating efforts using rotational shifts and hybrid learning. Severe obstacles persist, including profound shortages of water, desks, stationery, and electricity, soaring market prices for school supplies, and ongoing security concerns.
// Background
The conflict began in October 2023 following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people. The ensuing Israeli military campaign resulted in over 73,000 deaths in Gaza, extensive destruction of civil infrastructure, and the displacement of most residents. A January 2025 ceasefire curtailed major hostilities, though Israeli forces retained control over more than 60% of the territory. Formal education was halted for nearly three years, depriving roughly 660,000 to 700,000 children of schooling until the official restart in September 2026.
// Key Developments
- Between 500,000 and 540,000 students have resumed in-person education across Gaza for the first time since 2023.
- Around 98% of Gaza's school facilities were damaged or destroyed during the war, with roughly 80% sustaining direct hits.
- Over 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, were killed during the conflict.
- Public schools have adopted a three-shift rotational schedule, splitting attendance between boys and girls over alternating days to manage severe overcrowding.
- The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reopened Gaza's only operational Christian school, welcoming 1,005 students and 77 teachers.
// Timeline
-
Israel launches military operations in Gaza, leading to the collapse and closure of the formal education system.
-
A ceasefire halts major fighting, though Israeli forces maintain control over more than 60% of the enclave.
-
Some displaced families begin returning home or relocating, allowing educational sites previously used as emergency shelters to begin transition planning.
-
The 2026–2027 academic year begins across Gaza, with hundreds of thousands of students returning to makeshift tent schools and temporary learning centres.
-
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem officially announces the reopening of its school in Gaza, restoring in-person classes for 1,005 students.
// Perspectives
[Gaza Ministry of Education and UN Agencies (UNICEF / UNRWA)]
Focused on rapidly restoring educational access through temporary learning points, shifts, and online modules despite immense structural devastation, teacher compensation deficits, and material shortages.
[Palestinian Students and Parents]
Expressing relief and determination to resume education while struggling with high supply costs, psychological trauma, lack of nearby free schools, and safety hazards.
[The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]
Emphasizing education as vital to psychological healing, community reconstruction, and the continuity of the Christian presence in Gaza.
[Israeli Authorities (COGAT)]
Maintains military control over more than 60% of Gaza and enforces import restrictions; has historically asserted that Hamas uses schools for military operations, an allegation Hamas denies.
// Quotes
“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.”
“Today we saw tears of joy in the eyes of the children and parents, seeing their children at school after three years.”
“We used to wake up happy to go to school... Now, when we come to school, we’re afraid of stray bullets, rockets, strikes, everything. Now, I’m sitting in a tent that has absolutely nothing, just the sun and the heat.”
“We have very large numbers of students and overcrowded classrooms, while there is barely any school furniture... The sanitation situation is extremely difficult. There are too many students for four bathrooms, and there is not enough water.”
