UN: More than 100,000 students have returned to school in the Gaza Strip

The United Nations has reported that more than 100,000 students have enrolled in schools in the Gaza Strip after the new academic year began on February 23, marking the return of students to school after a long period of suspension due to the Israeli occupation's genocide against the Palestinian people.

The reopening of schools in Gaza is a significant step towards restoring education in the war-torn region. Although 85% of schools are closed due to Israeli attacks, the return of Gazan students to classrooms is a sign of hope for many families and an opportunity for children to return to normalcy.

As of February 27, 2025, the United Nations confirmed that 165 public schools have reopened in Gaza, allowing students to resume their studies after a 16-month hiatus. The Israeli war and genocide that began in October 2023 have had devastating effects with significant casualties among students, teachers, and extensive damage to educational infrastructure.

Israel has killed at least 12,800 students and 800 teachers, while 1,166 educational institutions have been destroyed. The damage caused by Israeli attacks on the education sector in Gaza is estimated at more than $2 billion.