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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.
In short
- Gunfire wounded a teacher and pupil at tent schools in Khan Younis.
- More than 97 per cent of Gaza’s schools are damaged or destroyed.
- Many pupils receive only three hours of lessons, three days a week.
Explained simply
Gaza is a Palestinian territory on the Mediterranean coast, where Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups have fought repeated wars. Since the war that began in 2023, large parts of Gaza’s school system have been damaged or destroyed, and many families have been displaced.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, and local educators have helped organise temporary lessons in tents and other makeshift spaces. Children’s education has been interrupted for long periods, while shortages of safe buildings, teachers and supplies make regular schooling difficult.
School offers children a chance to continue learning and regain routine after years of disruption. But efforts to resume lessons take place amid ongoing insecurity, and limited teaching time leaves many pupils with substantial gaps in their education.