Gaza Herald-The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned Tuesday against the prolonged school closure on the future of children in Gaza as Israel continued its deadly assault on the enclave.
“The longer children in Gaza are out of school, the greater the risk of a lost generation. Every day away from the classroom takes away the future they deserve,” the UNRWA said in a statement.
“The consequences of this war are long-term for Gaza’s children.”
The UNRWA called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as “the first step” to return Palestinian children to schools.
According to UN figures, more than 90% of educational facilities in Gaza have been destroyed by the Israeli army since late 2023.
The Occupied Palestinian Territory Education Cluster has verified through satellite images that over 90 percent of schools have been damaged, and what remains is in urgent need of rebuilding.
Save The Children has estimated that over ten children per day have lost limbs or other body parts since the war began, while warning of a rise in less visible disabilities, which will put further strain on an education system ill-equipped to support children with special needs.
“Every day away from the classroom takes away the future they deserve,” says UNRWA. “A ceasefire is the first step to getting them back to school,” it added.
