Researchers from the Faculty of Education have released a new report detailing the “devastating” impact of Israel’s war in Gaza and the West Bank on Palestinian children.

The report, entitled “Palestinian Education Still Under Attack,” states that the “devastating attacks by Israeli security forces and settlers” since October 2023 have “gravely undermined Palestinians’ right to education”.

Published at the start of January (07/01), the study claims that if the education situation in Palestine does not improve, the impact “is likely to be devastating for the future of all Palestinians”.

The 97-page report was written by academics at the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre – part of the University’s Faculty of Education – in collaboration with the Centre for Lebanese Studies, an independent academic institution.

The study was also conducted in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and builds on a previous report from 2024.

The researchers express fears that the education of Palestinian children may fall behind by as much as a decade if schools remain closed.

Prof Pauline Rose, director of the REAL Centre, said: “A year ago we said education was under attack – now children’s lives are on the brink of a complete breakdown.

“Palestinians have shown extraordinary desire for education during this terrible war but the loss of faith and hope that young people are expressing should be a massive red flag for the international community. We must do more to support them. We cannot wait.”

The report recommends that nations acknowledge the illegality of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and “formally recognise the State of Palestine” in order to facilitate efforts to rebuild educational infrastructure.

The study also discusses the psychological impact of war and occupation on Palestinian children. According to the researchers, “violence, starvation and trauma have eradicated any sense of ‘normal’ childhood”.

As an example, the report quotes an anonymous government official as saying: “When you sit with the students, instead of talking to you about math and science, they start talking to you about how they saw their friend or neighbour shot.” Offering psychological support is among the recommendations given for any new schooling system.

According to estimates cited in the report, the reconstruction of schools will cost at least 3.8 billion dollars over the next five years. The study notes that fundraising is proving difficult since donor countries are decreasing their aid spending due to “fatigue” and “financial control” by Israel.

The report also criticises the current ceasefire in Gaza, mediated by US President Donald Trump, for making “very little provision for education, and [being] imposed on Palestinians without their consultation and participation”.

The study was officially launched at an event on 22 January. Speakers included H.E. Dr Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Dr Julia Dicum, UNRWA’s head of education.