Gaza students return to school amid widespread infrastructure destruction

Thousands of children in the Gaza Strip have returned to school following a nearly three-year interruption in formal education. The academic year opened on September 19, 2026, with teaching organized across multiple tracks to accommodate students both inside and outside the Strip.

The educational infrastructure has been severely compromised, with reports indicating that approximately 97% to 98% of school buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Many remaining structures are currently being used as shelters for displaced families or for humanitarian services.

Due to the lack of functional buildings, students are attending classes in overcrowded tents and makeshift field learning points. These temporary spaces often lack essential logistics, such as desks, chairs, books, and pens, forcing many pupils to sit on the ground. Classes are reportedly highly crowded, with some containing between 50 and 70 students, leading to concerns among parents and educators regarding the effectiveness, safety, and concentration levels of the students.