The UN children’s agency UNICEF announced on Tuesday that it had successfully delivered school kits to Gaza for the first time in two-and-a-half years, following a blockade by Israeli authorities. Thousands of kits, including pencils, exercise books, and wooden cubes, have entered the enclave, with an additional 2,500 kits approved for delivery in the coming week.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder confirmed the delivery of thousands of recreational and school-in-a-carton kits, marking a significant shift after prolonged restrictions. The Israeli military’s COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Deeper Dive & Context
Education Crisis in Gaza
Children in Gaza have faced severe disruptions to their education system, compounded by restrictions on aid materials like school books and pencils. Many students have been forced to study in tents without electricity, while teachers struggled with limited resources. Elder highlighted that some children missed education entirely due to challenges like water scarcity and malnutrition amid a broader humanitarian crisis.
Impact of Conflict on Schools
The war, which began with Hamas’ assault on Israel in October 2023, has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, including schools. A UN satellite assessment in July found that at least 97% of schools sustained some level of damage. Teaching is now primarily conducted in tents due to the destruction of school buildings.
UNICEF’s Response and Future Plans
UNICEF is scaling up efforts to support approximately 336,000 school-age children—half of Gaza’s school-aged population—with learning materials. Elder expressed cautious optimism, stating that the recent approvals suggest a potential shift in aid access after years of restrictions.
Israeli Perspective
Israel has previously accused Hamas and other militant groups of embedding within civilian areas, which has influenced aid restrictions. The blockade on school materials was part of broader security measures, though the recent approvals indicate a possible easing of certain controls.