By Harriet Tornguvan
Over 342 days of military operations in Palestine have caused immense human suffering, widespread displacement, and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
Under Israeli military and political leadership, with international backing, this conflict has taken a heavy toll on Palestinian civilians. One of the most devastating aspects is the profound impact on education.
In a press briefing in Abuja, Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh of the State of Palestine expressed deep concern. He reported that as of September 11, 2024, the death toll has risen dramatically, with thousands wounded, missing, or displaced.
Shawesh highlighted that in Gaza, the education sector has been severely disrupted, leaving over 630,000 students unable to attend school at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Additionally, 58,000 university students have been unable to continue their studies, and 39,000 high school students were forced to forgo crucial exams.
"The scale of the destruction is staggering—90% of government school buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged," Shawesh stated. UNRWA schools, traditionally places of learning, have been repurposed as shelters for displaced families. The conflict has claimed the lives of 25,000 students, with thousands more injured or disabled.
Shawesh further explained that international humanitarian efforts have been hindered, with a drastic reduction in aid deliveries to Gaza. "In August 2024, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that only 69 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies were able to enter Gaza each day, compared to the pre-crisis average of 500."
"This shortage has contributed to a critical lack of resources for both the population and educational institutions," he continued.
The situation, Shawesh said, has been worsened by the expansion of Israel’s buffer zone, leading to the confiscation of approximately 58 km² of land, including 59% of Gaza’s agricultural areas. "This has not only strained food production but also hindered efforts to rebuild educational infrastructure."
He also pointed to the death of American activist Aysinur Ezgi Eci in the West Bank, while showing solidarity with the Palestinian people, as a turning point in questioning the international community’s silence. The lack of a strong response from the U.S. administration mirrors past reactions to similar incidents, such as the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
"Education, often seen as a beacon of hope, now stands as one of the most endangered rights for Palestinian children," Shawesh concluded. As the conflict continues, the future of an entire generation remains uncertain.
