Gaza’s children teeter on collapse after over two years of war, too hungry and traumatized to learn or play. Education systems across Palestine face near-total breakdown, with children losing faith in peace, human rights, and their future—some convinced they’ll die “for being Gazans.”
Researcher at the University of Cambridge who held the study reveals Researchers demand urgent international aid to avert a lost generation, regardless of ceasefire status.
Childhood Destroyed by Hunger and Fear
The report documents shattered school systems amid violence, malnutrition, and psychological ruin. Children faint from exhaustion; parents ration playtime to conserve energy on diets of mere lentils daily. Before the 2025 ceasefire, survival trumped schooling—18,069 students and 780 educators killed, 26,391 students injured per UN OCHA data. Save the Children tallies 15 life-altering child injuries daily during peak fighting.
Teachers report parental despair: “Why educate if famine kills them?” Kids describe feeling “like the living dead,” afraid of everything. Combined COVID and war closures equate to five years’ learning loss already, potentially ten by 2027 if schools stay shuttered.
West Bank and East Jerusalem in Crisis Too
Beyond Gaza, West Bank schools endure settler violence and Israeli forces—891 students and 28 teachers killed/injured since October 2023, hundreds arbitrarily arrested per UN rights monitors. Closures cost 2.5 years’ education. Educators work relentlessly without breaks, preserving identity amid demoralization.
Growing Despair Erodes Hope
Children increasingly question global rights rhetoric, feeling targeted for existence. Professor Pauline Rose of Cambridge’s REAL Centre warns: “A year ago, education was under attack—now lives break down completely.” Palestinians cling to learning desperately, but youth despair demands action now.
Massive Rebuilding Challenge Ahead
Restoring education across Palestine requires $1.38 billion, including thousands of new teachers. Donor fatigue cripples aid—OCHA’s $230.3M 2025 education appeal drew just 5.7% by July ($9 per child). Experts like Yusuf Sayed stress teacher investment for recovery; Maha Shuayb calls education “vital stability.”
Ceasefire glimmers appeared: early 2025 school reopenings and Tawjihi exams brought “miraculous” normalcy.
Key Questions Answered
Learning loss scale? Gaza: 5 years equivalent already, 10 possible by 2027.
Casualty toll? 18K+ Gaza students dead, 26K+ injured; West Bank hundreds affected.
Aid shortfall? $1.38B needed; current funding ~$9/child annually.
Q&A: Palestine Education Crisis
Q: Why total collapse risk?
A: Hunger, trauma, facility destruction halt all learning.
Q: West Bank specifics?
A: 891 students/28 teachers harmed; arbitrary arrests, closures since 2023.
Q: Hope amid crisis?
A: Ceasefire enabled rapid school restarts, exam resumption.
FAQ
Malnutrition deaths?
Nearly 13K Gaza children treated; 147 died by October 2025.
Teacher resilience?
Working non-stop 2 years to sustain learning, identity.
Rebuild cost per child?
~$1,155/person for full reconstruction.
Global rights impact?
Children doubt peace/human rights viability post-war.
