GAZA CITY — A new school year began in the Gaza Strip on Sunday following the suspension of Israel’s 16-month onslaught, marking a fragile step toward recovery in the war-ravaged enclave, the Education Ministry announced.

A ministry statement confirmed that students would attend classes at schools that remain standing, have been renovated, or in alternative learning spaces set up across the territory.

The ministry also emphasized efforts to provide online education for students unable to physically attend school, aiming to ensure continuity in learning despite the massive devastation.

The start of the school year comes amid severe destruction and a critical shortage of resources, the ministry noted, calling on human rights organizations to pressure Israel into allowing essential education materials into Gaza.

According to Palestinian figures, 85 percent of schools in Gaza have been rendered inoperable due to relentless Israeli bombardment.

The Gaza government media office reported that at least 12,800 students and 800 teachers and administrators have been killed since October 2023, while 1,166 educational institutions have been destroyed, with damages in the education sector exceeding $2 billion.

The war, which has killed more than 48,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, has left the entire enclave in ruins. A ceasefire agreement took effect on January 19, halting what Palestinian officials have described as a genocidal campaign by Israel. — Agencies

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its military operations.

Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the reopening of schools represents a symbolic step toward resilience and recovery, as Gaza’s residents seek to rebuild their shattered lives.