Urgent Need for Support: The Arab League has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the severe impact of Israeli aggression on Gaza’s education sector, including support mechanisms and assistance to mitigate the crisis.
Destruction and Impact: Ambassador Saeed Abu Ali reported that the Israeli attacks have heavily damaged educational institutions, including public, private, and UNRWA schools, many of which are now used as shelters for displaced civilians and have been destroyed.
Palestinian Resilience: Palestinian Minister of Education Amjad Barham emphasized that the systematic targeting of schools aims to undermine the future of Palestinians, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to the right to education despite the ongoing conflict.
Cairo, August 19, 2024 — The Arab League has underscored the critical need for comprehensive measures and robust support mechanisms to address the severe impact on Palestine's education sector, which has been significantly affected by the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. This pressing need for assistance was articulated in a speech delivered by Ambassador Saeed Abu Ali, the Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Affairs Sector, during an emergency meeting of the Council of Educational Affairs for the Children of Palestine at the Arab League’s headquarters.
Ambassador Abu Ali highlighted that the education sector has become one of the primary targets of the Israeli military assaults. These attacks have resulted in extensive human and material losses across various educational institutions, including both public and private schools as well as facilities operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Many of these schools have been repurposed as shelters for displaced civilians, yet they have not been spared from the destruction. This has compounded the crisis by endangering the lives of those taking refuge in these facilities and further disrupting the already fragile education system.
The situation has led to catastrophic consequences, severely affecting the ability of Palestinian children to access education. The destruction of educational facilities has created a significant barrier to learning and development, exacerbating the broader humanitarian crisis. The Arab League’s call for action emphasizes the urgent need for international support to mitigate these impacts and restore educational services in the affected areas.
In support of this call, Palestinian Minister of Education and Higher Education, Amjad Barham, echoed the concerns raised by Ambassador Abu Ali. Minister Barham pointed out that the systematic targeting of educational institutions is part of a broader strategy by the Israeli occupation forces to undermine the future of the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed that education remains a fundamental and non-negotiable right for Palestinians, despite the ongoing conflict. Barham emphasized the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in their commitment to uphold and advance their educational rights amidst the ongoing aggression.
The emergency meeting at the Arab League reflects a collective effort to address the dire situation faced by Gaza’s education sector and to advocate for substantial international support. This support is crucial to ensuring that educational infrastructure is rebuilt, and that Palestinian children can continue to receive an education in a safe and supportive environment, even in the face of severe adversity.