Mona Al-Zanati expresses relief as her son returns to school, despite her constant anxiety when he is away from her. “Every moment he is not with me, I feel fear,” Al-Zanati, aged 45, shared with CBC News. She shared an incident where she sent her husband to check on her son when he was late returning home from school a few days ago.
In the Gaza Strip, Yamen, Al-Zanati’s 10-year-old son, is one of the many children resuming their education after enduring nearly two years of frequent Israeli attacks. Yamen attends a temporary school set up in blue tents within Beit Lahiya, near the “yellow line” marking the division of Gaza under a delicate ceasefire agreement since October.
Despite the ceasefire, parents and teachers highlight ongoing safety concerns for students due to Israel’s blockade of Gaza, leading to a shortage of basic school supplies. UNICEF, overseeing several makeshift schools in Gaza, strives to equip students for learning, yet spokesperson James Elder mentioned that Israel restricts essential supplies like pens, pencils, and notebooks from entering Gaza.
Elder noted the dedication of children in their pursuit of education, with some using recycled paper for writing due to the scarcity of supplies. While acknowledging these challenges, Elder emphasized the enthusiasm and joy observed in classrooms during his visits.
At Beit Lahiya’s North Educational School, seven-year-old Toulin Al-Hindi expressed gratitude for being able to attend school again, despite the absence of chairs. She recalled the lack of educational opportunities during the conflict, highlighting the value of returning to school.
The recent Israeli-Hamas conflict, which began in October 2023, resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with Save The Children estimating over 20,000 children killed and UNICEF reporting more than 58,000 children losing a parent. The situation has raised allegations of genocide, vehemently denied by Israel, as South Africa and Amnesty International have accused Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza.
While the ceasefire has reduced major hostilities, sporadic incidents of violence persist, with reports of daily gunfire near schools. UNICEF and school staff acknowledge the challenges in ensuring children’s safety, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the situation.
Despite the risks, parents like Al-Zanati prioritize their children’s education, recognizing the long-term impact of disrupted schooling on Gaza’s youth. Despite the proximity to conflict zones, families like Al-Zanati’s show resilience and determination in sending their children to school, valuing education as a crucial aspect of their children’s future.