UNITED NATIONS: The ongoing bombardment by Israel in Gaza has resulted in devastating consequences, particularly for the education sector, as highlighted by a recent analysis conducted in partnership with the United Nations.
Since October 7, a total of 212 schools in Gaza have been directly hit by Israeli airstrikes, according to satellite imagery analysis. Shockingly, this includes the complete destruction of at least 53 schools. The frequency of attacks on school premises has escalated by nearly nine percent since mid-February, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The relentless Israeli bombardment from air, land, and sea has severely impacted the educational infrastructure in Gaza, with 165 out of the 212 targeted schools located in areas designated for evacuation by the Israeli military. The destruction is spread across various governorates, with particularly severe damage in North Gaza, where 86.2 percent of school buildings have been directly hit or damaged.
Moreover, over half of the school premises operated by the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, have also been affected, along with government buildings targeted by Israeli shelling.
The report also raises concerns about the military use of schools by Israeli Security Forces (ISF), with evidence indicating that schools have been utilized for detention, interrogation, and military operations. Satellite images depict military tanks and evidence of shelling within school premises.
Additionally, more than 320 school buildings have been repurposed as shelters for displaced people since the escalation began. Unfortunately, many of these facilities have also been directly hit or damaged, further exacerbating the crisis.
Looking ahead, the report emphasizes that a significant portion of Gaza’s schools will require either full reconstruction or major rehabilitation to become functional again once the conflict subsides. This underscores the urgent need for international support and intervention to address the devastating impact on education in Gaza.
—APP
