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Gaza children return to classrooms after nearly three years
Published : Monday, 21 September, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Observer Online Report
Children in Gaza returned to in-person classes on Saturday after nearly three years, attending lessons in makeshift schools amid widespread destruction caused by the war.
Classes are being held in tents, damaged buildings and temporary structures made of tarpaulin, steel and wood, with many students lacking uniforms, books and stationery.
According to UNICEF, about 98 percent of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Education officials estimate that around 660,000 children had been deprived of regular in-person schooling.
Khan Younis education director Ibrahim Ramadan said at least 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, have been killed in Israeli attacks.
Despite the devastation, authorities described the resumption of classes as a fragile sign of hope.
Among those returning to school is 15-year-old Samar Abu Salmi, who had been studying through a mobile phone while living with her displaced family in a tent. She said she was happy to see her teachers in person again and wants to continue pursuing her dreams despite the difficult circumstances.
Fourteen-year-old Yamen Abu Samra said going to school used to be enjoyable, but he now worries about possible gunfire, rockets and attacks while attending classes. He also described studying inside a tent under intense heat.
The Education Ministry has launched the 2026-27 academic year with support from international and local organisations. UNICEF-supported temporary schools and learning centres are expected to provide in-person classes to at least 540,000 students.
Online education will continue for children who cannot attend classes or have left Gaza.
The conflict has also caused severe shortages of educational supplies. Local businessman Khaled Alian said a notebook that previously cost three shekels, or about $1, now sells for 15 shekels.
He blamed Israeli restrictions on imports for the shortage and said the prices of most essential goods are now beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Israel’s military coordination body COGAT did not comment on allegations concerning restrictions on educational supplies or attacks on schools. Israel has repeatedly said Hamas uses schools for military purposes, a claim Hamas has denied.
Despite a ceasefire, more than 60 percent of Gaza reportedly remains under Israeli military control, while the humanitarian and educational crisis continues.
- MaT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
