Schools Reopen in Gaza After 18-Month Closure Amid Ceasefire
The new school year in Gaza has started after a gap of around 18 months since Israel’s attack on October 7. The visuals of students attending classes and participating in the morning assemblies can be seen. However, the videos show the destruction caused to educational infrastructure by the Israeli attacks. The walls of the schools are damaged and remnants of bullets and shells can be seen on school buildings.
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Amid all the destruction and damage, one thing that is quite evident in the videos is the jubilation and enthusiasm among the students and teachers. However, people have still taken shelter in schools after their houses were damaged by the war in Gaza.
The new school year in Gaza begins for the first time since the beginning of the genocide, while schools have been destroyed and displaced families are still taking refuge there. pic.twitter.com/V2eL0OJXLw
— harel (@mr_Harel_mr) February 24, 2025
Reportedly, despite the destruction, the Gaza Education Directorate decided to resume studies in a number of schools that have been prepared to conduct classes. As per the reports, 85% of schools in Gaza were rendered inoperable after the Israeli bombardment and at least 12,800 students were killed in the war since Oct 2023.
The three-phased Gaza ceasfire deal took effect on Sunday, January 19. The first phase of the ceasefire deal aims to ensure the release of Palestinian women and children, which will see the release of around 1,650 detainees. The second phase of the agreement seeks to exchange Palestinian and Israeli prisoners and establish lasting calm. Negotiations will continue, with all first-stage procedures remaining in place until an agreement is reached. Israeli forces will retreat from densely populated areas along Gaza’s borders. They will be positioned 700 meters east of the Gaza Strip, with a few exceptions allowing up to 400 additional meters at five specific points. These positions are based on maps agreed upon by both sides.
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The Israeli military will reduce presence on Philadelphi Corridor. According to the report, following the release of last prisoner on day 42 of the ceasefire deal, the withdrawal will begin and it will end by day 50. The Rafah border will be re-open for the Palestinian civilians, and the wounded ones, after the release of all the Israeli women hostages under Hamas captive. A s per the report, Israel will ensure the crossing is operational after signing the deal. The Humanitarian aid will also be delivered under strict protocol, said the report. The delivery will be supervised by mediators, and will continue under guidelines agreed in May 27 agreement.
