The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation strongly condemns the relentless bombing of schools in Gaza, which have destroyed the safety of thousands of children and civilians. The latest attack by Israel on a girls’ school in Deir al-Balah which killed at least 30 people including several children comes after a series of attacks on UNRWA’s al-Razi and al-Oraiban schools in Nuseirat. These attacks have resulted in the death of around 70 people and injured more than 150 others. The bombing of schools and civilian infrastructure in Gaza has been systematic and targeted, with a total of 39,145 killed, 90,257 injured, over 70,000 housing units destroyed, approximately 1.9 million displaced, and 625,000 students left without access to education.
The continuous targeting of educational facilities represents a grave violation of international humanitarian law. These actions not only threaten the lives of children in Gaza who are disproportionately affected by this conflict, but also infringe upon their fundamental right to education. In June 2024, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, added the Israeli armed forces to the list of perpetrators who committed grave violations against children in armed conflict. Israel was found responsible for 5,698 grave violations against Palestinian children, with another 19,887 alleged violations yet to be verified. The EAA Foundation mourns the devastating impacts on Gaza’s community and the severe disruptions to children’s education, reiterating its commitment to advocating for the rights and protection of children in conflict zones globally.
As the world prepares to commemorate the International Day to Protect Education from Attack on September 9, EAA reaffirms its commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration and the principles of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2601. These documents emphasize the importance of education for peace and security worldwide. Education, a cornerstone of development and peace, must not be compromised even in times of conflict. The EAA Foundation urgently calls upon the international community to intensify efforts to safeguard children and protect schools as part of States’ obligations under international law.
The relentless bombing of schools in Gaza has had devastating consequences, not only resulting in the loss of life but also severely disrupting the education of thousands of children. The targeted attacks on educational facilities in Gaza are a clear violation of international humanitarian law and must be condemned by the international community. The EAA Foundation stands in solidarity with the children of Gaza and advocates for their rights and protection, calling for urgent action to safeguard children and ensure access to education in conflict zones.
The EAA Foundation’s commitment to advocating for the rights and protection of children in conflict zones is unwavering, as evidenced by their condemnation of the bombing of schools in Gaza. The devastating impacts on Gaza’s community must not be ignored, and efforts must be intensified to protect children and preserve their access to education. As the world prepares to observe the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the EAA Foundation emphasizes the importance of education for peace and security worldwide, urging the international community to uphold their obligations under international law to safeguard children and schools.
