UN raises concern over attacks on schools in Gaza and West Bank

United Nations: The United Nations has voiced concern over the impact of the ongoing conflict on education in Gaza and the West Bank, citing reports of attacks on schools and growing risks faced by students and teachers.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), humanitarian partners reported that a sixth-grade student was injured by a bullet while attending class in a tented learning space in Gaza City on Tuesday. The child was taken to hospital for treatment.

Schools continue to face disruption

OCHA said Israeli forces reportedly demolished homes and the last remaining school in a former four-school compound in Beit Lahia on Monday. The agency also reported that tents sheltering nearly a dozen displaced families in the school grounds were destroyed, while access restrictions in the area were expanded.

Humanitarian organisations have since provided emergency assistance to families displaced by the reported demolition.

In the occupied West Bank, OCHA said Israeli authorities demolished parts of a school in the Masafer Yatta area of southern Hebron. The agency noted that more than 80 Palestinian schools across the West Bank are currently facing demolition or related orders.

Education support faces funding shortfall

Despite the challenges, humanitarian partners have continued to support education in the West Bank. According to OCHA, more than 60,000 students have benefited from remedial and catch-up learning programmes this year. In addition, 30 schools have been rehabilitated, while more than 2,600 students and education staff in high-risk areas have received protective assistance.

The UN also said education-specific cash assistance, psychosocial support and legal aid have been provided to affected communities.

However, OCHA warned that education programmes remain severely underfunded, with only just over 10 per cent of the required funding secured so far this year. The agency reiterated that continued support is essential to ensure children have safe access to education amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.