Gaza faces severe shortages as new school year begins

Displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face extreme living conditions as they prepare for a new academic year amidst ongoing conflict and severe resource shortages. Thousands of families have been living in nylon tents for three years, which offer little protection against intense summer heat. Due to the lack of electricity and water, residents struggle to find relief from rising temperatures, with some families forced to use makeshift methods to cool children.

As the new school year approaches on September 19, over 600,000 students face significant obstacles. According to United Nations data, approximately 90 percent of schools in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged. Many of the remaining structures are currently being used as shelters for displaced persons, creating uncertainty regarding classroom availability.

Furthermore, access to basic educational supplies, including stationery, uniforms, and footwear, is severely limited due to restrictions and high market prices. Many students are expected to begin their studies in makeshift tent schools due to the widespread destruction of formal educational infrastructure.