UNICEF has reported that around 95% of all schools in Gaza have been partially or completely destroyed, with at least 64 attacks on schools confirmed in Gaza in October, resulting in the deaths of over 120 people, including many children.
According to UNICEF, since the beginning of Israeli attacks and the ground offensive in Gaza last October, there have been 226 attacks on schools, which primarily serve as shelters for displaced people.
Schools should never be targets, and children should never be attacked while seeking refuge, said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, emphasizing that trauma and loss have become common for children in Gaza.
In October, schools in the enclave were targeted in at least 64 attacks. According to UNICEF data, schools in the difficult-to-access northern region were hardest hit, with over 95% of schools in Gaza partially or completely destroyed over the past year. At least 658000 school-aged children in Gaza have been excluded from all formal education activities, putting their futures at risk.
Their lives are burdened with emotional pain and an increased risk of child labour and child marriage.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has stated that it will expand the humanitarian zone in Gaza to include hospitals, as well as supplies of water and medicine.
Humanitarian organizations are warning of catastrophic conditions and hunger among the population, especially in northern Gaza. Most of the humanitarian aid is directed toward the humanitarian zone, where several field hospitals have been established.
The scope of the area disignated by Israel has changed multiple times as Israeli military operations have evolved. This week marks the end of the 30-day deadline set by the U.S. on October 13, during which Israel was ordered to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip or face limitations on U.S. military aid.
Palestinians claim there are no safe zones in the region, noting that the Israeli military has repeatedly attacked areas designated as safe. Among these is the Al Mavasi area in southern Gaza, according to Anadolu Agency.
Published by D.I.
