Gaza: UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, has raised concerns about the escalating risk of losing an entire generation in the Gaza Strip, where the education system is facing a significant breakdown following two years of conflict. Beigbeder highlighted the urgency of addressing the educational crisis during a press statement following his return from the region.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Beigbeder emphasized the importance of resuming education for children in Gaza. He explained that with the current ceasefire in place since October 10, UNICEF and its partners have managed to reintegrate a fraction of children into temporary learning environments. However, the majority of educational infrastructure remains unusable, with 85% of schools either destroyed or repurposed as shelters.
Beigbeder pointed out the challenges faced by both students and teachers due to ongoing mobility issues and military operations. Many educators are preoccupied with securing basic necessities like food and water for their families, further hindering the educational process. He stressed the need for basic educational supplies and infrastructure, noting the lack of materials like cement for rebuilding classrooms.
The UNICEF director expressed admiration for the resilience of the Gazan community, who are striving to rebuild their lives amidst the devastation. Nevertheless, he was taken aback by the extent of the destruction, noting that a significant portion of the Gaza Strip has been severely damaged.
The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on students, with over 20,058 killed and 31,139 injured since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on October 7, 2023. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education reported that the majority of casualties occurred in Gaza, with over 19,910 students killed and 30,097 injured. In the West Bank, 148 students were killed, 1,042 injured, and 846 arrested.