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In the heart of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the children of Gaza are bearing the brunt of the devastation. Atef Al-Buhaisi, a 6-year-old boy from Deir Al-Balah, once dreamed of becoming a builder, but now all he longs for is to return to school. His home has been bombed, his teacher killed, and his school turned into a refuge for displaced people. Atef now sleeps clinging to his grandmother in a cramped tent, afraid to walk alone even during the day.

Since the war erupted on Oct. 7, all schools in Gaza have been closed, leaving hundreds of thousands of students like Atef without formal education or a safe place to spend their days. Aid groups are working tirelessly to keep children off the streets and provide them with activities to distract them from the ongoing violence. However, the situation remains dire as heavy fighting continues across the enclave, with the conflict intensifying in the north and spreading to the southern city of Rafah.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening by the day, with the head of the UN’s World Food Programme warning of a “full-blown famine” in the north. More than 35,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the war, and about 80 percent of the population has been displaced from their homes. Nearly 90 percent of school buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving children like Atef without access to education.

Education experts emphasize the long-term impact of the disruption of schooling during conflicts. While safety, health, and sanitation take precedence during emergencies, the consequences of a lack of education can be lasting. The immediate focus in Gaza is on providing basic necessities and mental health support to children traumatized by the violence. However, the ultimate goal is to resume formal schooling and provide children with a sense of normalcy and routine.

Aid groups are working to create safe spaces for children to gather, play, and learn, but the challenges are immense. Lack of resources, restricted access to Gaza, and ongoing violence make it difficult to provide children with the education they need to thrive. The psychological toll of the conflict on children is evident, with many experiencing anxiety, nervousness, and increased vulnerability to exploitation by armed groups.

Despite the hardships they face, the children of Gaza remain resilient and hopeful for a better future. Layan Nidal Alzaanin, a 14-year-old girl who was forced to flee her home due to the conflict, expresses her despair at the loss of her dreams and the uncertainty of her future without school. The children of Gaza are yearning for the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better tomorrow, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges and uncertainty.