Ei-iE

Gaza’s education sector remains in one of the gravest crises in its modern history. After more than two years of war and genocide, Gaza’s schooling system stands “on the brink of collapse,” with over 97% of schools damaged or destroyed and the majority of the region’s 658,000 school‑age children having had little or no access to face‑to‑face learning for multiple academic years.

Researchers are warning that students may lose up to five years of education if the crisis continues throughout 2026. Reports from humanitarian and research organizations further describe children as physically weakened, traumatized, and often too hungry or distressed to learn, with education in Gaza “close to total collapse."

Amid this devastation and occupation, teachers remain the backbone of what is left of Gaza’s learning system, even as they face displacement, salary disruptions, destroyed workplaces, and profound personal hardship.

International solidarity leads to direct support for over 5,000 Gaza teachers

Against this backdrop, Education International (EI) members have responded with solidarity and urgent financial assistance to Gaza’s educators. More than 5,000 teachers received direct support of USD 100, reaching 555 schools and institutions across every governorate of the Gaza Strip.

This assistance—delivered through secure bank transfers to maximise reach, including for those with restricted mobility—comes at a time when teachers are struggling to meet basic needs amid salary interruptions, food shortages, and continued insecurity.

Teachers were verified and identified through local union organizers of EI member, the General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT), ensuring transparent, needs‑based targeting.

Women educators at the forefront

Reflecting the gender composition of Gaza’s teaching profession, women educators accounted for 64% of those receiving assistance, with 3,274 women and 1,826 men supported. Most beneficiaries are long‑serving professionals: over half are aged 31–45, and 40% fall within 46–60, representing the core workforce sustaining what remains of classroom activity and community learning.

With schools destroyed and movement severely restricted, direct cash assistance has become a critical lifeline, enabling teachers’ families to purchase food, fuel, and medical supplies—basic necessities that remain increasingly inaccessible.

Education International reiterates calls for peace and protection of education

Education International has reaffirmed its solidarity with Gaza’s educators and called for renewed international commitment to peace, protection of education, and the restoration of safe learning environments.

“Gaza’s teachers are carrying an impossible burden, yet their courage reminds the world that education is an act of hope. Our global union family stands with them,” stated David Edwards, EI General Secretary.

"To the resilient and amazing teachers and students in Gaza and the West Bank, I reiterate our commitment to you, your rights, your dreams, your future without violence, intimidation or harassment,” he added.

Left to right: Saed Erziqat (GUPT General Secretary), David Edwards (EI General Secretary), Feda Sayyad (Palestinian teacher), Mugwena Maluleke (EI President), Dalila El Barhmi (EI Coordinator for Arab Countries)

GUPT General Secretary Saed Erziqat expressed profound gratitude to all those who contributed to the initiative, emphasising the vital role of international solidarity networks and meticulous coordination with local organisers to reach teachers safely across all governorates.

EI and GUPT continue to monitor the situation closely and stand ready to mobilise further support as conditions evolve. With the education system facing destruction on a historic scale and teachers struggling under immense pressure, the international solidarity of education unions remains essential.