Shot in class: Gaza’s children return to school under Israeli fire

Two children and a teacher were wounded by Israeli gunfire at makeshift schools in eastern Khan Younis, where Gaza’s pupils have returned to lessons amid continuing danger. The incidents highlight the risks facing efforts to restore education after years of attacks and widespread damage to schools.

Teacher Sahar Abushbeika was shot in the back on 30 September and remains unable to walk or sit properly, with the bullet still lodged near a sensitive area. About three weeks later, nine-year-old Amir Abusneimah was struck in the shoulder by a ricocheting bullet; he underwent four-hour surgery and is stable but needs physiotherapy. More than 97 per cent of Gaza’s schools have been destroyed or damaged, and many children now receive around three hours of lessons a day, three days a week.