Satellite imagery pointed to at least 53 schools “totally destroyed” since conflict erupted on 7 October 2023 and a near nine per cent increase in attacks on school premises since mid-February, according to a report by the UN Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) and NGOs the Education Cluster and Save The Children.
The “high trend of attacks on school facilities” has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the report’s authors noted, amid “intense Israeli bombardment from air, land, and sea across much of the Gaza Strip”.
Widespread destruction
Of the 563 school buildings in Gaza, 165 of the 212 that received a direct hit are in areas designated for evacuation by the Israeli military. Data indicates that 62 schools were directly targeted in southern Khan Younis governorate, 14 in the Middle Area governorate, 94 in Gaza governorate, and 42 in North Gaza governorate – which is the most severely affected area to date, with 86.2 per cent of school buildings either directly hit or damaged.
More than one in two school premises run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA have also been hit (57 per cent) since 7 October, according to the report, along with Government buildings targeted by Israeli shelling or during the ground operation.
“No education is happening in Gaza at all for nearly six months,” UNRWA said on Wednesday, upon publication of the UN-partnered report, which pointed to more than 625,00 students and 22,000 teachers attending school before 7 October.
© oPt Educational Cluster
Damage to Al Manama Basic Boys School, Gaza.
Israeli military in schools
Additional findings derived from the satellite imagery and other sources “provide evidence for military use of schools” by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) “since the beginning of the escalation”.
This includes “several concerning reports, pictures and videos showing that schools are being used for military operations by ISF, including use as detention, interrogation centres and military bases”. Satellite pictures in the report also showed military tanks, their tracks and craters from shelling in school premises in February.
The UN-backed report also noted that more than 320 school buildings have been used by displaced people as shelters since the 7 October escalation. Of these facilities, 188 have been either directly hit (90) or damaged (98).
Once conflict ends, at least 67 per cent of schools in Gaza “will either need full reconstruction or major rehabilitation work to be functional again” the report’s authors maintained.
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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.
It is heartbreaking to see the continuous destruction of schools in Gaza due to the conflict. The alarming increase in attacks on educational facilities is impacting the lives of so many children and teachers. Immediate action needs to be taken to protect the right to education for the youth in Gaza.
Could the increase in attacks on school facilities have been prevented through diplomatic means?
It is heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by the attacks on Gaza schools. Diplomatic efforts could have potentially averted some of these tragic events. It’s crucial for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and peaceful solutions to prevent further harm to innocent civilians.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the attacks on schools in Gaza. No child should ever have to fear for their safety while trying to get an education. The international community must take swift action to protect schools and ensure access to education for all children affected by conflict.
Were proper precautions taken to ensure the safety of students in Gaza schools during the intense Israeli bombardment?
Absolutely not. The continuous attacks on Gaza schools show a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of students. The high number of school buildings directly targeted is alarming, and the impact on education in Gaza is devastating. It is crucial to prioritize the protection of students and educational facilities in conflict zones.
Were there any warnings given to the schools before they were attacked? How are the affected students and teachers coping with the situation?
Warnings were not given to the schools before the attacks. The affected students and teachers are facing unprecedented challenges as they try to cope with the aftermath of the bombings, with many struggling to access basic necessities and continue their education in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
It’s heartbreaking to see the continuous targeting of schools and the severe impact it’s having on the education of children in Gaza. The escalating attacks on educational facilities must stop immediately to protect the future generations of this war-torn region.
Were there any measures taken to protect these schools from the bombardments? It’s heartbreaking to see the impact on education in Gaza.
I think it’s truly devastating to see the extent of destruction on Gaza schools. The impact on the education of hundreds of thousands of students and teachers is heartbreaking. There needs to be accountability for these attacks on educational facilities.
As a concerned citizen, I find the extensive destruction of schools in Gaza deeply troubling. The increase in attacks on school premises is not only a violation of children’s right to education but also exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. Immediate action must be taken to protect schools and ensure that education can resume for the affected students.
It’s heartbreaking to see the impact of the attacks on schools in Gaza. The children and teachers were already facing immense challenges, and this devastation only worsens their situation. Education is a basic human right that should be protected at all costs. We need to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of students and educators in conflict zones.
It is heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by the attacks on Gaza schools. The impact on the education of hundreds of thousands of students and teachers is immeasurable. We must prioritize the safety and well-being of children in conflict zones.