Gaza children return to in-person classes for first time in three years after war damage

On September 19, 2026, hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza returned to in-person schooling for the first time in nearly three years. The reopening, organized by the Ministry of Education with support from international organizations, took place in damaged or makeshift schools and tents. According to UNICEF, 98% of schools in Gaza were destroyed or damaged during the conflict. Many students lack basic supplies like notebooks and pens, and some fear for their safety. The return marks a fragile milestone after a war that has killed around 22,000 students and over 770 education workers.