UN independent human rights experts on Thursday raised alarm over the “systematic destruction” of the Palestinian education system in the Gaza Strip, as Israel’s military operation continues unabated.
Since the brutal 7 October attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants on southern Israel, and the ensuing military assault by Israel, over 5,800 students and teachers have been killed and a further 8,575 have been injured across the enclave.
Many others have been arrested, while attacks on places of learning have left more than 625,000 students without any ability to study.
UN schools sheltering civilians displaced from their homes have also come under fire, including some inside Israeli military-designated “safe zones”.
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Hopes and dreams destroyed
“With more than 80 per cent of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed, it may be reasonable to ask if there is an intentional effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system, an action known as ‘scholasticide’,” the experts said.
The term “scholasticide” refers to the systemic obliteration of education through the arrest, detention or killing of teachers, students and staff, and the destruction of educational infrastructure.
The experts called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to protect educational institutions, teachers, and students.
“We remind Israel in particular of its obligations to comply with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January,” they said.
Devastating long-term impacts
The experts, including UN Special Rapporteurs on the right to education and on the situation in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, also warned of the far-reaching impacts of attacks on education in Gaza.
“The persistent, callous attacks on educational infrastructure in Gaza have a devastating long-term impact on the fundamental rights of people to learn and freely express themselves, depriving yet another generation of Palestinians of their future,” the experts said.
“When schools are destroyed, so too are hopes and dreams.”
© UNRWA
A school being used as a shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gaza.
Not isolated incidents
In addition to schools, a further 195 heritage sites, 227 mosques and three churches have also been damaged or destroyed, including the Central Archives of Gaza which catalogued 150 years of history.
Israa University, the last remaining university in Gaza was demolished by the Israeli military on 17 January.
The experts noted that without a safe place to go to school, women and girls face multifaceted risks, including increased gender-based violence.
More than one million Palestinian children in Gaza are now in need of mental health and psychosocial support and will suffer the trauma of this war throughout their lives.
“These attacks are not isolated incidents. They present a systematic pattern of violence aimed at dismantling the very foundation of Palestinian society,” the experts said.
Independent experts
The human rights experts raising the alarm included several UN special rapporteurs and members of human rights working groups.
Appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, they work on a voluntary basis, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
As the situation in Gaza escalates, it is heart-wrenching to witness the systematic obliteration of the education system in the region. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to protect the students and teachers who are bearing the brunt of this devastating conflict.
As an educator myself, I am deeply troubled by the deliberate destruction of the education system in Gaza. It’s heartbreaking to see the impact on students and teachers who simply want to learn and grow. The concept of ‘scholasticide’ is appalling and must be condemned by the international community.
Will the international community take any concrete actions to address the alarming destruction of the Palestinian education system in Gaza highlighted by the UN experts?
It is imperative that the international community not only condemns the systematic destruction of the Palestinian education system but also takes concrete actions to address it. Without decisive intervention, the hopes and dreams of thousands of students and teachers in Gaza will continue to be shattered.
Hopes and dreams destroyed. “With more than 80 per cent of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed, it may be reasonable to ask if there is an intentional effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system, an action known as ‘scholasticide’,” the experts said. The term “scholasticide” refers to the systemic obliteration of education through the arrest, detention, or killing of teachers, students, and staff, and the destruction of educational infrastructure. The experts called on…
As an education advocate, I am deeply saddened by the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza’s education system. The intentional destruction of schools and harm to students and teachers is unacceptable. Education is a right, not a weapon of war. #StopTheViolence
As a former educator, it breaks my heart to see the devastating impact on the Palestinian education system in Gaza. The deliberate targeting of schools and teachers is an appalling violation of human rights. We must stand together to protect the right to education for all children, no matter where they live.
As an educator myself, it is heartbreaking to see the devastation inflicted upon the education system in Gaza. The deliberate targeting of schools and the loss of innocent lives is a severe blow to the future of the Palestinian youth. It is crucial for the international community to take immediate action to protect the right to education for all children in conflict zones.
As an educator myself, it’s heartbreaking to witness the deliberate destruction of Gaza’s education system. The term ‘scholasticide’ is sadly fitting for this systematic obliteration of learning opportunities for Palestinian children. We must stand against this injustice and advocate for the right to education for all.
Hopes and dreams destroyed. “With more than 80 per cent of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed, it may be reasonable to ask if there is an intentional effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system, an action known as ‘scholasticide’,” the experts said. The term “scholasticide” refers to the systemic obliteration of education through the arrest, detention or killing of teachers, students and staff, and the destruction of educational infrastructure. The experts called on…