Gaza’s Children Face a Lost Generation, New Study Warns
A new University of Cambridge study reveals a devastating crisis. Children in Gaza are losing their childhoods to war. Many are now too hungry or traumatized to learn or play.
Education Has Nearly Collapsed
Prolonged conflict has shattered Gaza’s school system. Therefore, years of learning are lost. Researchers found children fainting from exhaustion. For example, some are advised not to play to save energy. Many families survive on one meal a day. As a result, education has become a secondary concern to survival.
Hope is Fading Fast
The report shows a deeply worrying trend. Children are losing faith in peace and human rights. They feel abandoned by the world. “Students feel they are killed just for being Gazans,” said one aid worker. Consequently, anger and despair are growing. The study estimates children have lost about five years of schooling. This is due to COVID-19 and war. However, the damage goes beyond missed classes. Starvation and trauma severely hinder learning. Without urgent help, teenagers could fall ten years behind.
The Staggering Human Cost
The numbers are heartbreaking. Over 18,000 students and 780 staff have been killed. Furthermore, 15 children suffered life-altering injuries daily during intense fighting. Teachers describe deep despair. Some parents ask why education matters if their children may starve. There are small signs of resilience. For instance, schools reopened quickly during a recent ceasefire. Exams for graduates also resumed. One teacher called this “a miracle.” Therefore, the desire to learn persists despite immense hardship
Rebuilding education across Palestine requires massive support. The estimated cost is $1.38 billion. Currently, funding is critically low. Investment in teachers and counselors is essential. Education provides stability and care for children. It cannot be an afterthought. The international community must act now. We risk losing an entire generation.
