Israeli Military Actions Result in High Casualties Among Students in Gaza and West Bank
Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military has reportedly killed over 12,000 Palestinian students in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The ministry's data highlights that 11,249 students in Gaza and 80 in the West Bank have lost their lives, with thousands more injured or captured. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted education, with 700,000 students in Gaza unable to attend school due to the destruction of educational facilities.
Impact on Educational Infrastructure and Personnel
The conflict has led to significant damage to educational infrastructure, with 77 schools in Gaza completely destroyed and many others severely damaged. The ministry reported that 444 school staff members in Gaza were killed, alongside 117 university staff, with thousands more injured. In the West Bank, attacks have resulted in the deaths and injuries of teaching staff, as well as the arrest of numerous educators. The situation has left 88,000 university students in Gaza unable to continue their studies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Broader Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Violence
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with over 146,000 Palestinians reported as martyrs and wounded since the conflict began, predominantly affecting children and women. The Israeli military operations have also intensified in the West Bank, leading to additional casualties among civilians, including 780 martyrs and around 6,300 wounded. The ongoing violence and destruction have resulted in a severe humanitarian disaster, with reports of famine and widespread suffering among the population.
