Education in Gaza
More than 625,000 children in Gaza have been denied an education since October 7th, when Israeli occupation forces destroyed schools and institutions, murdering thousands of students, professors, and staff. As a result, these students face an uncertain future.
By completely demolishing educational facilities and detaining or executing staff members, instructors, and students, the occupation seeks to purposefully eradicate education in Gaza. Six universities in Gaza (Islamic University, Al-Isra University, Rabat University, Al-Azhar University, Al-Aqsa University, and Al-Quds Open University) have been entirely or substantially destroyed as a result of ongoing Israeli bombardment since the start of the war on the Strip. The destruction of more than 80% of Gaza's schools is unacceptable, as knowledge is essential to uplifting and empowering individuals. For the Palestinian people, education has always been a source of transformation and hope.
The aim to destroy education in Gaza is not exclusive to October 7th; since the inception of the occupation and up until this point, "Israeli" forces have attacked schools throughout the Palestinian territories. In order to weaken education throughout Palestine, especially in Gaza, the occupation has employed a variety of strategies and instruments. This covers particular tactics like blowing up and demolishing colleges and universities, assassinating or seriously injuring instructors and students, and barring instructors and students from leaving the area because of the blockade. The embargo that has been in place since 2007 has also resulted in a lack of goods and essentials.
After Israel disregarded international laws and conventions and virtually destroyed the educational system, it is now very difficult, if not impossible, to continue the educational journey in the field. One of the most fundamental human rights is the right to education. It is vital to people and holds equal significance to the right to life since it allows people to exercise all other rights, which in turn generates life. The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1966), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1981), and the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1952) are just a few of the international treaties and conventions that guarantee the right to education.