Beit Lahiya, Gaza Strip, January 6, 2026 – Palestinian children in Gaza’s Beit Lahiya are attending makeshift “tent schools” in areas dangerously close to Israeli military positions, as the ongoing conflict continues to devastate the territory’s educational system.

Seven-year-old Tulin returned to school for the first time in two years, walking through rubble and dodging stray bullets. Her mother described the daily journey as terrifying:

“Until my daughter gets to school, I honestly walk with my heart in my hand,” she said.

Tent Schools in the “Yellow Zone”

The schools are set up in the so-called “yellow zone”, just meters from Israeli forces. Teachers instruct students to adopt a “sleeping position” on the ground whenever shooting erupts.

“The location is difficult, close to the occupation. When the shooting starts, we tell the children: ‘Take the sleeping position,’” one teacher said.

Despite the danger, children like Ahmed, who lost his father in the war, remain committed to their studies.

“We come with difficulty and leave with difficulty… but I want to fulfil the dream of my martyred father, who wanted to see me become a doctor,” he said.

Collapse of Gaza’s Education System

UNICEF reports that 98% of Gaza’s schools have suffered damage, with 88% requiring full rehabilitation or reconstruction. Around 638,000 school-aged children and 70,000 kindergarteners have lost two full academic years, now entering a third year of disruption.

Kazem Abu Khalaf, UNICEF spokesperson in Palestine, called the situation “one of the biggest catastrophes”, highlighting severe trauma among children, including speech impediments affecting 25% of students.

Humanitarian and Logistical Challenges

Beyond damaged infrastructure, schools face a blockade of educational materials. Since October 2023, almost no textbooks or supplies have entered Gaza. UNICEF has launched a “Back to Learning” campaign targeting 200,000 children, covering Arabic, English, math, science, and recreational programs to address psychological trauma.

“The success of any campaign depends on Israel lifting restrictions. It is not in anyone’s interest for a child in Gaza not to go to school,” Abu Khalaf said.

Despite the threats, families remain determined to provide their children with education, even under fire.