Private schools become a costly choice for struggling parents in Gaza

What Happened

Displaced Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip are struggling to access education as the formal school system remains largely destroyed by the ongoing Israeli offensive. According to UNICEF, approximately 700,000 children have missed nearly three years of formal schooling, with 93 percent of school buildings requiring major repairs or reconstruction. In response, volunteer-led initiatives like the Elyaa’ School in Deir el-Balah have established tent-based classrooms, though these facilities lack basic infrastructure such as desks and chairs. Some parents are opting for private institutions, such as the Abdul Aziz Private School in Gaza City, despite monthly fees reaching 400 shekels ($131) amid widespread unemployment and high costs for basic school supplies.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The collapse of the formal education system in Gaza represents a long-term humanitarian crisis, as the majority of school-aged children face a multi-year gap in structured learning. The reliance on makeshift tent schools and the prohibitive cost of private alternatives underscore the severe socio-economic degradation caused by the ongoing conflict, which has left most families unable to afford basic educational materials or tuition.

Watch For

Monitor reports from international aid organizations regarding the long-term impact of the education gap on Gaza's youth and any potential expansion of volunteer-run learning initiatives as the conflict persists.