Gaza Conflict Leaves Over 600,000 Students Out Of School For Another Year: UN

Stephane Dujarric, the UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson, announced that the new academic year in Gaza cannot start today. This is because most of the 200 schools are being used as shelters for displaced Palestinians.

Dujarric highlighted that over 600,000 students are missing out on formal education due to ongoing hostilities. He stressed that children in Gaza face severe humanitarian challenges, including potential disease outbreaks.

The UN and its partners are working to protect children from poliovirus. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the second phase of a vaccination campaign concluded yesterday in southern Gaza.

More than 256,000 children in Khan Younis and Rafah were vaccinated over four days during this second phase. Dujarric noted that the first round of vaccinations is nearly 70 percent complete, with over 446,000 children vaccinated out of a target of 640,000. The second round is set to begin in four weeks.

OCHA warned that repeated evacuation orders are worsening the humanitarian crisis for hundreds of thousands in Gaza. "As of today, more than 55 evacuation orders remain in effect, covering up to 86 percent of the Strip," they stated.

International Day to Protect Education from Attack

The United Nations observed the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. In his message, the UN Secretary-General noted a significant rise in attacks on students, teachers, and schools globally — from Gaza to Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He called on all nations to support efforts ensuring children can continue their education during crises and post-conflict periods. He also highlighted what the UN Refugee Agency emphasised about education being a gateway to better job opportunities and enabling refugees to earn a living.

Dujarric added that children in Gaza continue to suffer greatly due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He emphasised the importance of protecting them against diseases like poliovirus through vaccination campaigns.

The initial vaccination campaign has reached nearly 70 percent completion. More than 446,000 children have been vaccinated out of a targeted 640,000 during this first round. The second round is expected to commence in four weeks' time.

The UN Secretary-General urged countries worldwide to stand with efforts ensuring children's education continues despite crises. He pointed out that education opens doors for greater access to employment and helps refugees sustain themselves.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire with repeated evacuation orders affecting hundreds of thousands. OCHA reported that more than 55 evacuation orders are currently active, impacting up to 86 percent of Gaza Strip residents.

The UN's efforts aim not only at immediate relief but also at long-term educational opportunities for affected children. This includes protecting them from diseases through ongoing vaccination campaigns.

With inputs from WAM