Gaza's Children Return to Classrooms After Years of Conflict

Rebuilding Education in the Shadow of Conflict

When I first reported on the situation in Gaza, it was clear that education had been among the hardest-hit sectors during the ongoing conflict. Schools were not just buildings—many were symbolic pillars of stability for families and communities. Now, as we witness children returning to classrooms after years of devastating attacks, it's a powerful reminder of both resilience and the high cost of war.

For many Palestinian children, school wasn't just about learning; it was a safe haven amid chaos. As Israeli military operations intensified in Gaza over recent years, schools became prime targets, with reports detailing the destruction of entire educational infrastructure. The psychological toll on students, families, and teachers has been immense. Yet, even amid this turmoil, a quiet determination has emerged—parents, teachers, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to keep education alive in whatever form possible.

"We didn't just lose our school buildings; we lost generations of children who were meant to learn and grow," said one teacher from Gaza City, speaking anonymously due to ongoing security concerns. "But now, slowly, they are returning."

What Has Changed Since the Attacks?

The return to classrooms in Gaza is not simply a symbolic gesture—it marks a significant shift in the region's trajectory. According to data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), over 50% of schools in Gaza were either destroyed or severely damaged during recent hostilities. Many were rendered unusable by airstrikes, which targeted not only military structures but also civilian ones including educational institutions.

Despite these setbacks, there are signs of progress. In some areas, local authorities and humanitarian organizations have begun reconstructing facilities. Teachers are being retrained, learning materials are being restored, and even basic supplies like desks and chalkboards are slowly making their way back to schools. However, the process remains uneven, with significant disparities in access depending on location, funding, and ongoing security concerns.

The Human Cost of Educational Disruption

What strikes me most about this story is how deeply education affects children's lives—not just in terms of academic achievement, but also in their emotional and psychological well-being. During the years of conflict, many children missed out not only on learning, but also on social interaction, play, and the structure that school provides.

Education has long been a source of hope and identity for Palestinian youth. When those opportunities are taken away, it leaves lasting scars. For children who spent their formative years in a war zone, returning to school may feel like stepping into a new world—one where peace, stability, and the future are not just dreams, but possibilities.

Global Support and Local Resilience

The international community has played an important role in efforts to restore education in Gaza. NGOs such as UNICEF, Save the Children, and local Palestinian organizations have been instrumental in rebuilding school infrastructure and providing humanitarian aid.

Yet, despite global support, obstacles persist. Ongoing restrictions on movement, limited access to materials and fuel, and concerns over security continue to impede full recovery. In many cases, schools are operating with minimal resources, forcing educators to adapt their lessons using whatever tools they can find—sometimes even relying on mobile devices or shared textbooks.

• UNRWA has reported a 70% increase in students enrolling in schools since early 2026
• Only 35% of pre-primary and primary schools are currently operational
• Teachers have been volunteering for weeks without pay to help restart classes

Looking Forward: A Path Toward Stability

The journey back to normalcy is far from complete. For Gaza's children, education remains a critical tool not just for rebuilding their lives, but also for shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. It's also an indicator of how much progress has been made in other areas—healthcare, infrastructure, governance.

But this is not just about recovery; it's about redefining hope. As we watch children return to classrooms, I am reminded that even in the darkest times, education stands as one of humanity's most powerful forces for change. It may be a long road ahead, but every child who walks through those school doors carries with them a message: the future is worth fighting for.

In Gaza, and indeed around the world, we must ensure that no child's right to education is ever denied—regardless of conflict or circumstance.