Gaza:At least 14 school students and eight education workers were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip in October, as reported by the Education Ministry. The students who lost their lives were between the ages of 6 and 16.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the education workers killed included four teachers, three employees from the Islamic University attacked on university grounds, and a female academic in a residential strike. The ministry also noted injuries among children, students, and education workers due to attacks on schools and makeshift educational tents during the last month.
The Israeli gunfire toward residential neighborhoods and educational facilities led to the suspension or delay of classes in several areas, including southern Khan Younis, eastern Deir al-Balah, the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, and parts of the northern Gaza Strip. The continued closure of crossings and the Israeli blockade have prevented Palestinian students with scholarships abroad from traveling, causing them to lose educational opportunities.
Additionally, restrictions have hindered the entry of essential supplies needed by schools and educational institutions. This includes construction materials for repairs, tents for temporary classrooms, school furniture, and equipment for vocational education and students with disabilities. Fuel shortages have further hampered the ability of thousands of students to reach educational facilities and disrupted electricity generators at these institutions.
The ministry has urged the international community, UN agencies, and humanitarian and rights organizations to intervene to protect students and teachers, halt attacks on educational institutions, and ensure the entry of necessary supplies to prevent the collapse of Gaza's education system. Gaza's Government Media Office reported that 95% of schools in the enclave have sustained damage from Israeli attacks since October 2023.
Between October 2023 and July 2026, more than 20,051 school-age students and over 532 teachers have been killed, according to figures released by the Education Ministry. Despite a ceasefire agreement effective since October 10, 2025, Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in 1,593 Palestinian deaths and 5,748 injuries. The ceasefire followed two years of conflict that killed over 74,000 Palestinians, injured more than 175,000, and destroyed around 90% of the enclave's civilian infrastructure.