Hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza began the new school year on Saturday, returning to in-person classes for the first time in nearly three years. The reopening marks a significant, yet fragile, milestone for a generation deprived of regular education due to widespread destruction.

This return to learning comes after years of conflict that devastated Gaza's educational infrastructure. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that approximately 98 percent of schools in the Gaza Strip were either destroyed or damaged during recent Israeli military operations. Local education officials estimate that around 660,000 students have missed out on consistent, in-person schooling.

Students are now attending classes in a variety of makeshift settings, including tents and damaged school buildings. Many face severe shortages of basic supplies like notebooks and pens. The Ministry of Education, with support from aid agencies, has established dozens of temporary classrooms constructed from materials such as tarpaulins, sheet metal, and wood. Some of these spaces also continue to house displaced families.

The implications of this educational disruption are profound, potentially impacting the long-term development and future prospects of an entire generation. The return to learning, however compromised, is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding normalcy and providing a sense of hope.

Ibrahim Ramadan, director of education for eastern Khan Younis, highlighted the devastating human cost, stating that about 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, have been killed. For many students, like 15-year-old Samar Abu Salmi, the return to school, even in a tent, represents a pursuit of dreams despite immense hardship. She noted the difficulty of affording even basic stationery, which has become prohibitively expensive due to Israeli import restrictions.

Stationery trader Khaled Aliyan confirmed the sharp price increases, stating that all stationery items have become five times more expensive. This economic strain further exacerbates the challenges faced by families trying to equip their children for school. The situation persists despite a "ceasefire" that halted large-scale fighting, as Israeli forces continue to control over 60 percent of Gaza, impacting the flow of essential goods.

Student Moayed Abu Mustafa, heading to class in Khan Younis, expressed a mix of hardship and determination. "The last time I have been to school was three years ago," he said, "Now, we are starting the school year; it is year of joy, happiness and success. Despite all of this, we will learn, we will learn even in a tent." His sentiment reflects the resilience of Gaza's children, who are determined to continue their education against overwhelming odds, often without adequate footwear or school supplies.

Images from the first day of school showed Palestinian students sitting on the floor in tent classrooms and navigating the ruins of former school buildings. The scenes underscore the urgent need for sustained support and reconstruction efforts to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for Gaza's children.