No School in 3 Years: Report Exposes Israel’s Destruction of Gaza’s Education System
Al Mezan Center details catastrophic destruction of Gaza’s education system and calls for urgent international action. Israeli airstrikes caused material damage to 95% of schools in the Gaza Strip.
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Data presented in a new human rights report reveals that Israeli occupation forces have killed 17,902 Palestinians from the components of the Palestinian educational system during the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The findings were published on Wednesday in a report by the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights titled “The Third Year Without Education,” which reviews the state of the educational process during the genocide in Gaza and its impact on students from October 2023 until September 2025.
The report highlights the grim reality of education in Gaza under the continuing war and genocide waged by the occupation against the educational system, presenting statistics that expose the suffering of students at all levels. It places particular focus on students with disabilities and includes live testimonies from students and their families.
According to the report, Israeli occupation forces have systematically targeted the educational sector, killing 16,879 school students and 523 university students during the genocide.
Additionally, 830 teachers and education employees and 193 scientists, academics, university professors, and researchers were killed, bringing the total death toll within the education sector to 17,902 martyrs.
Widespread Destruction of Schools
Israeli airstrikes caused material damage to 95% of schools in the Gaza Strip, whether directly or indirectly.
A total of 662 school buildings were directly bombed, while 116 others were indirectly damaged. Around 90% of all schools now require complete reconstruction and rehabilitation to resume their primary functions.
The report concluded that the state of education in Gaza is catastrophic, with a large number of students and teachers killed or physically and psychologically injured.
All school and university buildings are now out of service, either due to total or partial destruction or because they are being used as shelters for displaced persons.
Loss of Educational Infrastructure
The report notes the destruction and loss of essential educational facilities and equipment, including standard designs for soundproofing, lighting, and ventilation; desks and seating; office and logistical equipment; teaching and presentation tools; libraries; and specialized science and technical laboratories.
It stressed that the future resumption of the educational process depends entirely on the cessation of the war, followed by active reconstruction and rehabilitation of school buildings and the construction of additional facilities as needed.
The report emphasized that the “educational genocide” carried out by Israeli forces has inflicted severe suffering on students — educationally, psychologically, and socially — particularly on students with disabilities. The crisis has deepened due to the complete suspension of educational activities.
Impact on Students at All Levels
Students in Gaza are being denied their right to education due to the educational genocide and prolonged suspension of schooling. This has particularly affected:
First-grade students at the very start of their academic journey,
High school seniors (“Tawjihi” students), whose exams have been repeatedly postponed and whose futures are uncertain,
University students, especially those in disciplines requiring practical training alongside theoretical study.
Testimonies collected by Al Mezan researchers confirm that Palestinian students at all educational levels have been severely impacted academically, socially, and psychologically by the war.
Call for International Intervention
Al Mezan Center called on the international community to take effective action and pressure Israeli occupation forces to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza, lift the blockade completely, and hold accountable all Israeli leaders, soldiers, and those who ordered, carried out, or encouraged crimes against Palestinians.
The Center urged the opening of international investigations into genocide crimes and compelling Israel to comply with international law.
It also called on the international community, United Nations agencies, and international donor organizations to intensify efforts to rebuild destroyed schools and universities, ensure the continuation of the educational process, compensate for lost learning, and rehabilitate students psychologically and socially through comprehensive support programs.
The report further recommended creating shelter areas for displaced people whose homes were destroyed, in order to vacate schools and educational facilities and restore them for student use. (PW)
Source: Palinfo