Gaza War News: Over 97% of Gaza’s Schools Damaged, Education Halted, Says UN

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Gaza City – The United Nations has reported that Gaza’s education system is on the brink of total collapse, with more than 97 percent of schools either damaged or destroyed during Israel’s ongoing military campaign. The findings highlight the scale of destruction and the long-term impact on children in the besieged territory.

According to the UN assessment, airstrikes and shelling have left school buildings across Gaza either reduced to rubble or severely unsafe for use. Many remaining facilities are being used as shelters for displaced families, leaving little or no space for classrooms.

Teachers and students have been forced out of formal education, with lessons suspended indefinitely. The UN stressed that this destruction risks creating a “lost generation” of children without access to education, which is essential for stability and recovery.

Impact on Children

Education experts warn that the consequences of the collapse will extend far beyond classrooms. Without schools, children are left vulnerable to trauma, malnutrition, and exploitation. For many families, schools provided not only learning but also safe spaces, meals, and psychological support.

The UN has called the situation “unprecedented,” pointing out that education has been hit harder in Gaza than in most other modern conflicts. More than 600,000 school-aged children in Gaza are now out of the classroom.

The UN urged immediate steps to protect what remains of Gaza’s education infrastructure and called for an end to strikes on civilian facilities. International human rights groups have also condemned the attacks on schools, stressing that education is protected under international law even during armed conflict.

The destruction has fueled calls for accountability and stronger measures to protect civilians. Several governments and NGOs have pledged to provide emergency learning kits and remote support, but officials say such measures cannot replace functioning schools.

With nearly all schools damaged and no clear timeline for reconstruction, Gaza’s children face an uncertain future. The UN emphasized that rebuilding education must be a central part of any recovery plan, warning that without it, an entire generation could be left behind.