Humanitarian Crisis Deepens In Gaza And West Bank Amid Ongoing Israeli Aggression

The humanitarian and educational situations in Gaza and the West Bank have deteriorated due to ongoing Israeli actions since 7th October 2023. Official Palestinian sources have highlighted these worsening conditions, emphasising the urgent need for assistance.

The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education reported significant casualties among students. Since the aggression began, 12,943 students have died, and 21,681 have been injured. In Gaza alone, over 12,790 students were killed, with 21,026 injured. The West Bank saw 120 student deaths and 655 injuries. Additionally, 548 students were detained.

The ministry also revealed that educational infrastructure has suffered extensive damage. In Gaza, 425 government schools and universities were affected. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, incursions and vandalism impacted 109 schools and seven universities. As a result, around 788,000 students in Gaza cannot attend educational institutions.

The Palestinian Civil Defence (PCD) in Gaza reported receiving numerous distress calls from displaced people whose shelters were flooded by rain. These individuals are desperate for help to protect their children from harsh weather conditions. The PCD stated that its teams can only relocate affected individuals to other unsuitable locations.

Population Decline in Gaza

A report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics highlighted a population decline in Gaza by the end of 2024. The overall Palestinian population was estimated at 5.5 million, with 3.4 million residing in the West Bank. However, Gaza's population decreased by about 160,000 people, resulting in an estimated total of 2.1 million residents.

The ongoing conflict has severely impacted both humanitarian needs and educational opportunities for Palestinians in these regions. Many students face psychological trauma and health issues due to the violence and instability they experience daily.

With inputs from WAM