Devastation to Palestinian Education Sector: Over 18,000 Students Killed or Injured in Israeli Military Offensive
The Israeli military operation has caused significant damage to schools and universities in Gaza and the West Bank.
RAMALLAH: The Israeli military offensive launched after the Oct. 7 attacks has resulted in a devastating impact on the education sector in Gaza and the West Bank, with thousands of students and teachers killed or wounded.
According to figures released by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education, 18,651 students have lost their lives, while 29,114 others sustained injuries.
The majority of these casualties occurred in Gaza, where over 18,508 deaths and 28,142 injuries were reported.
In the West Bank, the death toll among students stands at 143, with 972 injured and 792 detained.
The ministry also recorded the deaths of 972 teachers and administrators, as well as injuries to 4,538 individuals.
Additionally, 199 people were detained in the West Bank.
The damage to infrastructure in Gaza has been severe, with 172 government schools and 63 university buildings completely destroyed.
Furthermore, 118 government schools and over 100 run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East have been bombed or vandalized.
In the West Bank, 152 schools have been vandalized, while eight universities and colleges were repeatedly raided.
Despite these challenges, approximately 46,000 Palestinian refugee children returned to UNRWA schools in the West Bank this week.
However, about 800 pupils from Jerusalem's closed schools had to transfer to alternative institutions.
The displacement of at least 30,000 people in the northern West Bank has further disrupted education, particularly affecting children.
UNRWA has emphasized the importance of protecting access to schooling and highlighted the need for safe and dignified learning environments for all Palestinian children.
According to figures released by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education, 18,651 students have lost their lives, while 29,114 others sustained injuries.
The majority of these casualties occurred in Gaza, where over 18,508 deaths and 28,142 injuries were reported.
In the West Bank, the death toll among students stands at 143, with 972 injured and 792 detained.
The ministry also recorded the deaths of 972 teachers and administrators, as well as injuries to 4,538 individuals.
Additionally, 199 people were detained in the West Bank.
The damage to infrastructure in Gaza has been severe, with 172 government schools and 63 university buildings completely destroyed.
Furthermore, 118 government schools and over 100 run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East have been bombed or vandalized.
In the West Bank, 152 schools have been vandalized, while eight universities and colleges were repeatedly raided.
Despite these challenges, approximately 46,000 Palestinian refugee children returned to UNRWA schools in the West Bank this week.
However, about 800 pupils from Jerusalem's closed schools had to transfer to alternative institutions.
The displacement of at least 30,000 people in the northern West Bank has further disrupted education, particularly affecting children.
UNRWA has emphasized the importance of protecting access to schooling and highlighted the need for safe and dignified learning environments for all Palestinian children.
