Watch: Gaza children slowly return to school after 2 years of deadly war

In a significant step toward normalcy, children in Gaza are gradually returning to school after a two-year-long conflict that disrupted education and displaced thousands. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced the reopening of some schools in the region following the recent ceasefire. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, shared on social media that over 25,000 students have already joined temporary learning spaces, with approximately 300,000 others expected to attend online classes. At Al Hassaina school in western Nuseirat, classes resumed despite severe shortages of classrooms and resources. The school, like many others, had served as a shelter for displaced families during the war, with laundry lines still hanging across its three floors. Warda Radwan, an 11-year-old student, expressed her excitement about returning to her studies after losing two years of education due to displacement. The school’s courtyard buzzed with activity as young girls participated in morning assemblies, chanting, ‘Long live Palestine!’ Despite the challenging conditions—students sitting on floors without desks or chairs—the children displayed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Jenin Abu Jarad, a relative of a student, expressed gratitude for the reopening of schools, noting that children had been deprived of education since October 7, 2023. The gradual return to schooling marks a hopeful step in rebuilding the lives of Gaza’s youth.