Nearly 90% of Gaza's schools have sustained damage or destruction from Israel's ongoing military campaign, according to a UN agency report. Out of 564 school buildings, 518 require full reconstruction or major rehabilitation, with 432 directly hit since October 2023, marking a sharp rise in attacks on educational sites many used as shelters.
The destruction has left over 625,000 students and 22,500 teachers without access to education for nearly two years, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis amid widespread displacement. North Gaza remains hardest hit, with 86% of schools affected early on, while recent assessments show 95-97% overall damage including shrapnel impacts.
Casualties include thousands of students and educators killed or injured, stalling academic years and higher education entirely. UNICEF and partners warn that without urgent repairs, an entire generation risks permanent learning loss, as attacks on schools surged despite their civilian status.
