Mona Al-Zanati expresses relief as her son resumes classes, despite her constant anxiety when he is away. Al-Zanati, aged 45, shared her concerns with CBC News, mentioning how she worries and takes immediate action if she hears any disturbances near the school. Her son, Yamen, aged 10, is one of many children in Gaza returning to school after enduring relentless Israeli attacks for the past two years.
Yamen attends a temporary school in Beit Lahiya, housed in blue tents within sight of the “yellow line” that marks Gaza’s division following a fragile ceasefire since October. Despite the ceasefire, parents and teachers emphasize the ongoing risks, with Israel’s blockade causing a shortage of basic school supplies.
UNICEF is running makeshift schools in Gaza, striving to equip students for success. However, spokesperson James Elder highlighted Israel’s restrictions on essential supplies like pens and notebooks entering Gaza, forcing some children to use recycled paper for writing.
Elder noted that despite the challenges, there is a sense of happiness among students in the classrooms he visited. At a UNICEF-run school in Jabalia, he recounted a conversation with a delighted girl eager to reunite with friends and make new ones, emphasizing the students’ enthusiasm for education.
In a separate school in Beit Lahiya, seven-year-old Toulin Al-Hindi echoed the sentiment of joy at returning to school, despite the lack of conventional seating arrangements. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, culminating in the latest war in October 2023, has led to devastating casualties and displacement in Gaza.
Under the current ceasefire terms, Israel maintains control over a significant portion of Gaza, with restrictions on civilian movement and ongoing security concerns. Despite the reduction in major hostilities, sporadic violence persists, with daily gunfire near schools, raising safety concerns for both students and staff.
The value of education remains paramount for Palestinian families, even amidst the precarious circumstances. Despite the disruptions caused by the war and previous closures due to COVID-19, parents are eager to send their children to school, recognizing the importance of learning despite the risks involved.
