Gaza’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education has called for urgent international action to protect schoolchildren after reporting that three students were killed by Israeli forces in the territory over a 24-hour period.
In a statement, the ministry warned that children face serious risks while travelling to and from schools and other educational facilities. It said those dangers threaten students’ safety and their ability to continue learning.
The ministry urged the United Nations, UNICEF and international and human rights organisations to take practical steps to protect students, document alleged violations and support accountability. It said expressions of concern should be accompanied by measures that help safeguard children’s lives and access to education.
The statement did not identify the three students or provide details about where they were killed. The ministry’s appeal focused on the broader danger facing children trying to reach educational facilities amid continuing insecurity.
For Gaza’s students, the challenge extends beyond reaching a classroom. The education system has been severely disrupted by the war, while damage to facilities and repeated displacement have made regular schooling difficult for many families. Temporary learning spaces have been established in some areas, but children and teachers still face difficult conditions.
The ministry said students must be able to attend educational facilities safely and called for effective protection. It described safeguarding children and their right to education as an international responsibility.
The appeal adds to concerns about the risks faced by children in Gaza and the obstacles preventing them from studying. The ministry is asking international bodies and rights organisations to respond with urgent practical steps, including documenting incidents and helping ensure students can learn without being exposed to danger on their journeys.
