Over 100,000 students enroll in Gaza schools as academic year begins: UN

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Thursday reported that more than 100,000 students have enrolled in school across the Gaza Strip since the new academic year began Feb. 23.

"As of yesterday, more than 100,000 students have enrolled in school following the start of the new academic year on 23 February," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference.

He stated that "to date, 165 public schools have reopened in Gaza. For most students, this will be their first time returning to in-person learning in 16 months."

Palestinian figures show that 85% of schools in Gaza have been rendered inoperable because of the Israeli bombardment.

Gaza’s Media Office said at least 12,800 students, and 800 teachers and administrative staff, were killed, and 1,166 educational establishments destroyed in the war since October 2023, estimating the damage in the education sector at more than $2 billion.

Dujarric further described the situation across the occupied West Bank as "deeply alarming," and said, "Israeli forces’ operations continued in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas, leading to further casualties and displacement, and hindering access to health care, water, electricity and other critical services."

Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), he stressed that "international law must be respected and civilians must be protected."

A ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, halting Israel’s genocidal war, which has killed more than 48,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its military campaign.