Hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza have returned to in-person schooling for the first time in nearly three years, beginning the new academic year in damaged buildings, tents and other temporary learning spaces.
About 660,000 students had been deprived of regular in-person education during the conflict. UNICEF says 98% of schools in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, leaving authorities and aid organisations to establish makeshift classrooms using tents, tarpaulins, wood and other materials.
Education officials expect at least 540,000 students to attend physical classes this year, while online learning will continue for children unable to attend or those who have left Gaza.
Many families, however, cannot afford basic school supplies. Traders say the price of notebooks and other stationery has risen sharply amid restrictions on supplies entering Gaza.
Despite the difficult conditions, students and teachers have expressed determination to resume learning, describing the return to school as an important step towards restoring a sense of normality after years of disruption.
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