The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric stated that the new school year in the Gaza Strip, which was supposed to start today, cannot begin in any of its 200 schools. Most of these schools are currently being used as shelters for displaced Palestinians.
Dujarric expressed concern that due to 11 months of hostilities, over 600,000 students are unable to access formal education for another year. He highlighted that children in Gaza are facing severe humanitarian crises, including the risk of disease outbreaks.
Moreover, Dujarric mentioned that the UN and its partners are working to protect children from the poliovirus. The vaccination campaign in southern Gaza reached over 256,000 children in Khan Younis and Rafah during the second phase, with the initial round almost 70% complete.
On a more alarming note, OCHA reported that more than 55 evacuation orders are still in effect in Gaza, affecting up to 86% of the area.
In addition, the UN observed the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to support efforts to ensure that children and young people can continue learning, even during crises.
He further stressed the importance of education as a pathway to better opportunities, including access to the job market for refugees.
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