Mona Al-Zanati expresses relief that her son has returned to school, though she grapples with anxiety every moment he is away. “Each hour apart fills me with fear,” shared Al-Zanati, aged 45. She admitted sending someone to check on her son when she hears even a single or double strike, recalling a recent incident when she dispatched his father to investigate a school delay.
Her son, Yamen, aged 10, is part of the multitude of children in Gaza resuming their studies post two years of almost continuous Israeli attacks. He attends a temporary school in Beit Lahiya, housed in blue tents within sight of the “yellow line” demarcating Gaza under the fragile ceasefire since October. Despite the ceasefire, parents and educators emphasize that the students remain vulnerable, with Israel’s blockade causing a shortage of essential school materials.
UNICEF, overseeing various makeshift schools in Gaza, strives to equip students with necessary resources. However, spokesperson James Elder highlighted that Israel’s restrictions prevent items like pens, pencils, and notebooks from entering Gaza. Elder emphasized witnessing children’s determination to study under challenging conditions, with some using recycled paper for writing.
Acknowledging the difficult circumstances, Elder noted a sense of joy among students in the classrooms he visited. He shared a heartening encounter with a cheerful girl at a UNICEF school in Jabalia, expressing her happiness to reunite with friends and make new acquaintances. Despite the adversities, the children’s enthusiasm for education shines through.
In Beit Lahiya’s North Educational School, seven-year-old Toulin Al-Hindi echoed the positive sentiment, appreciating the opportunity to attend school despite the absence of proper seating arrangements. Safety concerns persist as the latest Israeli-Hamas conflict, commencing in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and displacements. The ceasefire, though halting major hostilities, hasn’t guaranteed complete safety, with sporadic violence continuing.
Parents, despite their fears, prioritize their children’s education. Before the conflict, Palestinians boasted high literacy rates globally. However, repeated school closures since 2020, compounded by the pandemic and conflicts, have disrupted educational progress significantly. Al-Zanati, acknowledging the risks near the yellow line, emphasizes her son’s right to education despite the challenges.
The determination to pursue education amid adversity reflects the resilience of the community, highlighting the enduring importance of learning even in tumultuous times.