The Palestinian education sector has suffered severe losses amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, with Palestinian authorities reporting that more than 800 teachers have been killed, around 3,300 injured and over 170 detained since October 2023.
The figures were highlighted by the Palestinian Ministry of Education on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, underscoring the extensive impact of the conflict on Gaza’s education system.
Despite the destruction of schools, displacement and the loss of colleagues and students, the ministry said Palestinian teachers continue to carry out their educational responsibilities under extremely difficult circumstances.
This year’s World Teachers’ Day is being observed under the theme “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”
For Palestinian educators, however, the occasion comes against the backdrop of a devastating humanitarian and educational crisis. The ministry said the impact of the conflict has extended beyond educational facilities, affecting teachers, students and the wider education system.
The reported casualties and detentions highlight the profound disruption faced by Gaza’s education sector, while Palestinian teachers continue to attempt to preserve learning and education amid conflict, displacement and widespread destruction.