Gaza's education system faces challenges amid ceasefire

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Gaza's education system faces challenges amid ceasefire

2025-03-01 11:35 Last Updated At：22:57

The new academic year began in Gaza in late February for primary and secondary schools amid the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, but the education system still faces challenges due to destruction of infrastructure and teaching staff shortage caused by the Israel's relentless bombardments over the past more than one year.

On the early morning of Friday, Muhannad Faran, who had been fleeing with his family to find safety from the war and have just returned to Gaza City, brought his daughter Jumana to a school for admission.

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Gaza's education system faces challenges amid ceasefire

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Gaza's education system faces challenges amid ceasefire

"During the war, many schools and other educational institutions were severely damaged. Although we wanted our children to go to school, we were too afraid to do so. Thank God, now there is finally a glimmer of hope. I have to send my child back to school as soon as possible. I hope she can still keep up with school," the father said.

Before Jumana, more than 300 other children had completed re-enrollment in school, but the figure was less than half of the total number of students before the outbreak of the latest round of conflict on October 7, 2023.

Students said they feel happy to return to the classroom.

"I was too scared of the war and bombing to go to school. Now I am back to school and I am happy to play with my classmates," said a student.

Many schools, which were used as shelters during the bloody conflict, have started to admit students again. However, government agencies, schools and students still face challenges in the recovery process.

"Since their studies have been interrupted for more than a year, the students are facing great difficulties in reading and writing. At the same time, our teaching materials are in short supply. There are not enough pens or notebooks. There are also other difficulties, such as the serious shortage of desks. Many students are under great psychological pressure and need treatment," said Yusra Shaaban, a teacher.

In order to help students resume their studies as soon as possible, the education department in Gaza City has taken a variety of measures.

While promoting the resumption of classes in schools, it has also launched online courses, recruited educational volunteers, and set up temporary teaching sites in refugee camps.

"During the conflict, 30 temporary teaching sites were set up in Gaza City, and these sites will continue to provide classes in the coming school year. Over the past week, we have launched many initiatives and opened many teaching sites, but it will take a long time to fully resume classes," said Mohammed Sheikh Khalil, head of the Gaza City education department.

Footage from Tehran shows businesses operating, markets well stocked

Footage shot from the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday has shown supermarket shelves appearing well stocked and marketplaces still operating, with the government reportedly taking steps to ensure the supply of daily necessities amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Although many residents have been forced to evacuate as missiles rain down on the city, life in much of Tehran is continuing.

Video taken by a China Global Television Network (CGTN) reporter showed markets and shops continuing to operate as usual, with efforts being made to ensure the supply of essential goods and key commodities.

Iran said on Thursday that 1,230 people have been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes since fighting began on Saturday.

The death toll was announced by Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs in a statement on its website.