Toronto, ON, August 6, 2024 – Attacks on schools in Gaza must cease immediately, warns Plan International Canada, as an escalation of Israeli strikes targeting education facilities puts a generation of children at risk of never returning to the classroom.

In the past two weeks alone, eight schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), all of which were serving as shelters for families forced to flee bombardment elsewhere in Gaza, have been struck by Israeli forces.

The latest attack, on a school in Deir Al-Belah, Central Gaza, on July 27, killed 30 people – including children and women – and injured more than 100, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

No pupil in Gaza has been able to attend school since November 2023, when the academic year was suspended after the escalation of conflict on October 7.

An estimated 625,000 school aged children in Gaza are missing out on lessons as a result, with this month making the start of a second lost school year.

Since October 7, 344 schools in Gaza have been directly hit by Israeli bombardment, with 65 schools destroyed. Of these, more than half (53.5%) were being used as shelters for internally displaced families (source).

At least eight in 10 (84.6%) school buildings will need full rebuilding or major work to be functional again, meaning it could take years to rebuild Gaza’s education system and allow a full return to learning.

Furthermore, several concerning reports, videos and pictures also suggest that schools are being used for military purposes by the Israeli Security Forces (source).

“Right now, it is impossible to provide any form of adequate education or schooling for children in Gaza. Bombardment is a constant threat, teachers have been killed, and children are scared and traumatised,” said Emilia Sorrentino, Plan International’s Education in Emergencies Global Lead.

“Education is a fundamental right for every child. In times of conflict, schools should be safe havens where children can learn, grow, and thrive, and have the chance to be children. However, the continued targeting of educational institutions in Gaza has made it impossible for children to engage in any formal learning, robbing them of their right to education and a brighter future.

“Palestinian children and youth in Gaza want to go back to school. When schools are destroyed, so too are their hopes for the future. Attacks on educational facilities must not be tolerated.”

Attacks on schools are a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law, with devastating and lasting impacts on children’s learning opportunities in both the immediate and long-term.

These attacks not only cause immediate physical harm and loss of life but also have long-term psychological and social impacts. They disrupt the educational process, leading to significant interruptions in learning and hinder children’s development.

Plan International has called for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire, the release of all civilian hostages, and the release of Palestinian children who are in military detention in Israel since the escalation of conflict in Gaza on October 7.

As a child rights and humanitarian NGO, Plan International reiterates calls for all parties to adhere to International Humanitarian Law and ensure the protection of schools, teachers, and students. We urge the international community to take immediate action to safeguard education in conflict zones and hold those responsible for grave violations to account.

Together with 16 peer NGOs, Plan International is also calling on all UN Member States to stop fuelling the crisis in Gaza by immediately halting the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to Israel and Palestinian armed groups while there is still a risk they are used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law or human rights law.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

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