After a prolonged period of intense fighting that devastated much of Gaza's infrastructure, a number of schools have started to operate again, allowing children to return to classrooms for the first time in years. Local authorities, together with international aid agencies, have coordinated efforts to clear debris, restore electricity and water supplies, and provide basic teaching materials needed for the resumption of lessons.
The reopening comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has reduced large‑scale hostilities, creating a window for reconstruction work. Humanitarian organisations report that many school buildings, some heavily damaged by airstrikes, are being repaired or replaced with temporary structures to accommodate students while permanent facilities are rebuilt.
Education officials emphasize that restoring schooling is seen as a critical step toward normalising daily life for families and addressing the psychological impact of the conflict on children. Support services, including counseling and trauma‑informed care, are being integrated into schools where possible, aiming to help pupils cope with the experiences of war.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Security concerns, limited resources and the need for continued reconstruction mean that not all schools are yet functional. Parents and community leaders have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the ability for children to attend classes provides a sense of hope and stability in an otherwise uncertain environment.
International donors have pledged additional funding to accelerate the rebuilding of educational infrastructure and to supply learning materials. Coordination between the Gaza education ministry, United Nations agencies and non‑governmental organisations is ongoing, with the goal of scaling up the number of operational schools and ensuring that more children can return to formal education in the coming weeks.
The situation remains fluid, and the sustainability of the school reopenings will depend on the durability of the ceasefire, the pace of reconstruction, and the continued availability of humanitarian assistance.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/20/gazas-children-return-to-classrooms-after-years-of-israeli-attacks?traffic_source=rss.