Gaza students return to classrooms after nearly three years

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza have returned to in-person classes for the first time in nearly three years, beginning a new academic year amid widespread destruction and severe shortages.

Many students are attending classes in temporary schools set up in tents, damaged buildings and makeshift structures. Families are also struggling to afford basic school supplies such as notebooks, pens, shoes and uniforms.

UNICEF estimates that around 98% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the war. Education officials say about 660,000 students have been deprived of regular in-person education.

Despite the difficult conditions, education authorities, with support from international and local organisations, have opened dozens of temporary learning centres for the 2026-27 academic year.

Some schools have been built using tents, tarpaulins, metal sheets and wood. Others operate in open areas or buildings that have only basic facilities. In some locations, displaced families are still living in parts of the buildings being used for education.

Around 540,000 students are expected to receive in-person education this year through temporary schools, private learning centres and other educational facilities supported by UNICEF.

Children who cannot attend classes in person will continue their education online. This includes some students who remain displaced or have left Gaza during the conflict.

For many students, returning to school has brought a sense of happiness despite the conditions. Students say they are determined to continue their education after years of disruption.

Some children, however, remain fearful because of the continuing insecurity. Students have described concerns about stray bullets, rocket attacks and airstrikes while travelling to or attending school.

The education system has suffered heavy losses during the conflict. Gaza education officials say thousands of students and education workers have been killed since the war began.

The cost of education has also become a major challenge for families. Stationery sellers say shortages and restrictions on supplies have caused prices to rise sharply.

One trader said a notebook that previously cost around three shekels now sells for about 15 shekels. Other school supplies have also become increasingly expensive.

The return to classrooms is therefore taking place under extremely difficult circumstances. Students are studying in hot tents and basic classrooms while many lack essential learning materials.