CHILDREN'S RIGHT TO EDUCATION IN INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICTS: GAZA-PALESTINE

Children’s right to education is a fundamental human right enshrined in international law, yet in conflict zones like Gaza, this right remains critically endangered. Armed conflicts disproportionately affect children, leading to the destruction of schools, displacement of students, and long-term disruptions to learning. Recent hostilities in Gaza have severely damaged educational infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands of students without access to proper schooling. Beyond the immediate loss of education, the psychological toll of war has left many children traumatized, requiring urgent psychosocial support. The prolonged denial of education not only hinders personal growth but also threatens Gaza’s economic and social stability, trapping future generations in poverty and insecurity. The crisis is exacerbated by the ongoing blockade, which has led to overcrowded classrooms, resource shortages, and insufficient funding for rebuilding schools. Attacks on educational institutions violate International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which mandates the protection of schools during armed conflict. However, despite these legal protections, Palestinian children continue to face significant barriers to quality education. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach, including a ceasefire to ensure safe learning environments, increased international aid for school reconstruction, and stronger legal frameworks to protect education. Investment in teacher training and psychosocial support is essential to mitigate the long-term consequences of disrupted learning. The international community must act urgently to safeguard Palestinian children's right to education, fostering resilience, hope, and a path toward a stable future.