Crisis in Gaza: Students’ Dreams Shattered by War and Hunger
The escalating conflict in Gaza has not only claimed lives but has also severely disrupted the education system, affecting thousands of students across the region. With the vast majority of educational facilities damaged, the crisis has forced students to shift their focus from academic aspirations to daily survival.
Devastating Impact on Education
Recent reports indicate that 97% of educational facilities in Gaza have been damaged due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The destruction spans from primary schools to higher education institutions like the Islamic University, where buildings that once buzzed with the ambitions of young minds now serve as shelters for displaced families.
Maha Ali, a 26-year-old honors student with dreams of becoming a journalist, now finds herself struggling for basic necessities. “We used to talk about living, getting educated, and traveling. Now, we just want to eat,” Ali expressed, encapsulating the dire situation faced by many students in the region.
From Learning to Surviving
The shift from academic pursuits to survival is palpable among students. Yasmine al-Za’aneen, a 19-year-old student, recalls her days of actively engaging in her studies, which came to an abrupt halt with the war. “Everything I had built was gone in seconds,” she lamented, sorting through what remains of her educational materials in a makeshift tent.
The Palestinian Minister of Education, Amjad Barham, accused Israel of a systematic attempt to “kill hope” by targeting educational infrastructure, leaving a bleak future for the youth of Gaza.
Barriers to Reconstruction
Efforts to rebuild and restore educational facilities are hindered by restrictions on the entry of necessary supplies into Gaza. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 91% of the damaged institutions require major rehabilitation or complete reconstruction. However, the continuous conflict and restrictions pose significant challenges to these efforts.
Uncertain Future
As the conflict continues with no immediate resolution in sight, the future of education in Gaza remains uncertain. With new offensives planned and ongoing diplomatic discussions yielding little progress, students like Saja Adwan, an honors student displaced by the conflict, cling to what little educational resources they have left. “All my memories, my ambitions, my goals were tied to my institute. It was more than just a building; it was where I saw my future,” she shared, reflecting on the profound personal losses experienced by many young Gazans.
Conclusion
The war in Gaza has transformed the landscape of education, turning places of learning into arenas of survival. While the international community debates resolutions, the immediate needs of Gaza’s youth for education and a semblance of normalcy remain unmet, casting long shadows on their futures.