Israel Bombs 16 Schools in Gaza Over 6 Weeks

In the past six weeks, Israeli forces have bombed 16 schools in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 217 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more. These schools, which are currently serving as shelters for displaced individuals, have been targeted amidst an ongoing military campaign. The latest attack occurred on a school in northern Gaza, killing at least three people and wounding 20. Human rights organizations, such as Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, have condemned these actions as violations of international law, emphasizing that there is no legitimate justification for targeting educational institutions. The situation has severely impacted the education system in Gaza, where approximately 630,000 children were expected to start a new school year. Due to the ongoing violence, schools have been closed for nearly a year, depriving children of their right to education. This disruption has particularly affected nearly 40,000 students who were unable to complete their final year of grade school and take qualifying exams. Experts warn that a second consecutive year without schooling could have long-term developmental consequences for Gaza's children, potentially leading to many never returning to education. The Palestinian education ministry has reported that over 750 education workers have been killed since October, further exacerbating the crisis. Rebuilding Gaza's education infrastructure will be a monumental task, as about 85% of schools require major reconstruction, and over 90% have sustained damage. Even if hostilities cease, it will take years to restore the educational framework that has been critically undermined by the ongoing conflict.