The Palestinian Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday that 4,156 students have been killed and 7,818 injured since the Israeli offensive began on October 7 in Gaza and the West Bank.
The ministry’s statement, reported by the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), detailed the extensive impact of the conflict on students in the region.
According to the ministry, since the beginning of the offensive, Gaza has seen more than 4,119 student deaths and 7,536 injuries. In the West Bank, 37 students have been killed and 282 injured, in addition to 85 being arrested.
The statement also noted the casualties among educators and administrative staff, with 221 teachers and administrators killed and 703 injured in Gaza. In the West Bank, 5 have been injured and more than 71 arrested.
The ministry highlighted the damage to educational facilities, reporting that 278 government schools and 65 UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) schools in Gaza have been bombed and vandalized.
This has resulted in severe damage to 83 schools and the destruction of 7 schools. In the West Bank, 38 schools have been raided and vandalized.
The ministry emphasized that Israeli targeting has affected 90% of the educational buildings, including government-run schools, causing direct and indirect damages.
Additionally, 29% of these school buildings are now inoperable due to complete demolition or significant damages. In Gaza, 133 government schools have been used as shelters.
This report underscores the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on the education sector in Palestine, affecting thousands of students, educators, and school infrastructure.
The Palestinian Ministry of Education’s statement sheds light on the devastating consequences of the conflict on the younger generation’s education and well-being.
