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Education International (EI) welcomes the ceasefire and peace agreement reached in the Gaza Strip in October but remains deeply concerned by the sustained military operations that have followed. The fragile pause offered by the agreement has not halted the cycle of violence that is devastating communities across Gaza. The ongoing conflict continues to gravely disrupt the education of Palestinian children and inflict damage on the education environment, further deepening the humanitarian and educational crisis.

As part of the ongoing support, Education International urges renewed solidarity with Palestinian educators in Gaza and the West Bank, working through the General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT) and the General Union of Workers in Kindergarten and Private Schools (GUWKPS), to provide vital support and meet evolving needs on the ground.

The figures provided by the United Nations and confirmed by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and by EI’s affiliates in the country are daunting. Over 637,000 school-aged children in Gaza have lacked sustained access to formal, in-person education for two years, leading to significant learning loss. As of July 2025, 97% of Gaza’s school buildings were damaged, with 47% that were fully destroyed. 92% of schools require explosive clearance and major reconstruction.

The severe housing shortage has resulted in over 100 public schools being used as shelters for displaced families. Of the 28 schools still operating in Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and western Gaza City, 22 also serve as shelters.

Efforts to revive the education system in Gaza have begun. Hundreds of temporary learning spaces have been put in place, mainly in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. Distance online learning programmes have been initiated by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and by UNRWA but the challenge ahead remains immense. So far, only 40 of the more than 2,000 classrooms requiring renovation have been rehabilitated.

Teachers have been steadfast in their roles of educators, caregivers, and symbols of resilience despite not receiving their full salaries for the past two years. Now they face the immense task of returning to destroyed school environments, reconnecting with students and families, and maintaining a semblance of normalcy. In this context, the hundreds of teachers trained in social-emotional skills through the GUPT-EI initiative feel better equipped to confront these daunting challenges.

The moral and financial support from over 40 EI member organisations across 32 countries from all regions of the world has already made a difference. More than 5,100 teachers have received direct financial support, and unionised teachers in Gaza and the West Bank have benefited from socio-emotional training. Support is reaching those who need it most: educators and children.

Education International has made an urgent appeal for continued financial support from its affiliates to help our sister organisations in Palestine. Every contribution, big or small, strengthens our global commitment to stand by teachers, protect children, strengthen unions, and uphold human rights.