The Lost Generation: Gaza’s Education Crisis in Peril

The Gaza Strip has been ravaged by conflict since 2023, but one aspect of its devastation often goes unnoticed: the education crisis. Over three years of war, Palestinian students have faced unprecedented obstacles in continuing their studies. Amidst the destruction and displacement, some students are finding ways to persevere, while the system as a whole teeters on collapse.

Amira Al-Khatib’s recent departure for the Netherlands to pursue her master’s degree is a testament to this resilience. The 24-year-old computer systems engineer from Gaza spent two years studying in an environment where internet connectivity was never guaranteed. “I completed my graduation project with drones flying overhead, placing my hand over my heart every few minutes, hoping I would survive long enough to finish it,” she recalled.

Mohammad Herzallah’s experience offers a stark contrast to Al-Khatib’s. The 20-year-old engineering student left Gaza last Monday to enroll at The Hague University of Applied Sciences after witnessing his family’s life being torn apart by war. “Before the war, I never imagined leaving Gaza,” he said. His words echo the sentiments of countless Palestinian students who have had their education disrupted or put on hold due to the conflict.

The Gazan Student Support Network (GSSN), an Amman-based NGO established in January 2024, has been instrumental in supporting these students. GSSN’s Executive Director Mabrookah Heneidi highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles faced by students seeking to continue their education abroad. “Every country has its own challenges,” she noted, emphasizing the complexity of securing approval for student departures.

The UN has warned about the devastating impact on schools and universities in Gaza. Ninety-five percent of campuses have been affected, with 22 completely destroyed and an additional 14 sustaining damage. UNESCO estimates that around 745,000 schoolchildren and students in Gaza have been out of school since October 2023.

The resilience of Palestinian students like Al-Khatib and Herzallah is inspiring, but it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader context driving their decisions. Education has become a privilege reserved for those who can afford to leave or access limited online courses. The consequences of this will be far-reaching, affecting not only individual lives but also the future of the region.

The Israeli military body responsible for coordinating civilian affairs in Gaza, COGAT, maintains that the departure of residents is subject to security screening by competent authorities. However, permits for students with scholarships from Malaysia remain unclear. This bureaucratic limbo exemplifies the intricate web of obstacles facing Palestinian students seeking to continue their education.

Education is not only a fundamental right but also a cornerstone of social mobility and economic development. The destruction of Gaza’s education infrastructure will have lasting effects, perpetuating cycles of poverty and displacement. As we reflect on this crisis, it’s essential to consider the long-term implications and prioritize the restoration of education as a fundamental right.

The future of Gaza and its students hangs precariously in the balance. Will we continue to witness the erosion of education as a fundamental right, or will we take action to restore it? The stories of Al-Khatib and Herzallah serve as poignant reminders of what can be achieved despite overwhelming odds, but they also underscore the urgent need for change.