What's happened
After two years of war and destruction, Gaza's Al-Azhar and Islamic universities have begun in-person classes again. Despite extensive damage from Israeli attacks, students are returning to damaged buildings, marking a cautious step toward rebuilding Gaza's educational infrastructure amid ongoing conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The reopening of Gaza's universities highlights resilience amid devastation. The damaged infrastructure underscores the ongoing conflict's toll on education, yet students' return demonstrates a strong commitment to learning. This cautious restart may foster future rebuilding efforts, but the ongoing conflict risks further setbacks. The international community's support will be crucial for sustained recovery. The return to in-person classes is a symbolic step, but the physical and psychological scars of war will influence Gaza's educational future for years to come.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports on the physical and emotional revival of Gaza's academic community, emphasizing the resilience of students like Mohammed Hassan. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera details the broader context of destruction and the phased plan for full university reopening, highlighting the ongoing challenges and the damage to infrastructure. Both sources underscore the significance of this moment as a sign of hope amid ongoing conflict, with Al Jazeera noting the damage to hundreds of educational institutions and the sheltering of displaced families within university buildings.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza, initiated by Israeli military actions, has severely damaged educational infrastructure, destroyed facilities, and displaced students and staff. During the two-year war, online learning was limited due to power cuts and destruction. The reopening of universities signals a slow recovery process amid ongoing hostilities.
Go deeper
- What are the main obstacles Gaza's universities face now?
- How will this affect students' future prospects?
- What international support is available for Gaza's education?
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The Islamic University of Gaza, also known as IUG and IU Gaza, is an independent Palestinian university established in 1978 in Gaza City. The university has eleven faculties capable of awarding BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBBS, diplomas and higher diplomas.