Gaza children return to school amid destruction

September 22, 2026

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza have returned to in-person classes after nearly three years of disruption. The new academic year has brought some hope to children and families, but schools are reopening in very difficult conditions. Around 98 per cent of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the war, according to UNICEF. About 660,000 students have been without regular in-person education. Many children are now returning to classrooms that are very different from the schools they knew before the conflict.

Classes are being held in tents, damaged buildings and other temporary structures. Some learning centres have been made with tarpaulins, metal sheets and wood. In some places, classes are taking place in open areas. Some buildings being used for education are also sheltering displaced families. Education authorities, with support from UNICEF and other local and international organisations, have opened dozens of temporary learning centres for the 2026-27 academic year. Around 540,000 students are expected to receive in-person education through temporary schools, private learning centres and other facilities. Children who cannot attend classes in person will continue their education online. This includes students who remain displaced or have left Gaza during the conflict. For many children, returning to school is a welcome change after years of disruption. Students say they are happy to meet their friends again and want to continue their education despite the difficult conditions.

But fear remains part of daily life. Some students have expressed concerns about insecurity, including stray bullets, rocket attacks and airstrikes while travelling to or attending school. The education system has suffered huge losses during the conflict. Gaza education officials say thousands of students and education workers have been killed since the war began. Families are also facing another major problem: the rising cost of school supplies. Notebooks, pens, shoes and uniforms have become difficult for many families to afford.