Back to school in Gaza

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-20T13:35:47.489Z • Permanent link

Gaza's education system is on the brink of collapse, with students forced to learn in tents due to years of disruption. Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that has controlled Gaza since 2007, has been struggling to maintain basic services, including education, due to a severe economic crisis. The situation has been exacerbated by a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, which has severely limited the flow of goods and services into the territory.

According to a report by the United Nations, the education sector in Gaza has been severely affected, with over 80% of schools damaged or destroyed since the 2008-2009 conflict with Israel. The report notes that the lack of infrastructure has made it difficult for schools to function, with many students forced to learn in makeshift classrooms or even under trees. The situation has been particularly dire for girls, who are often forced to abandon their education due to lack of access to schools.

In 2020, the World Bank estimated that the education sector in Gaza required $400 million in funding to repair and upgrade infrastructure. However, the blockade has made it difficult for aid to reach the territory, and the situation remains dire. The lack of access to education has serious consequences, not just for individuals but also for the broader economy and society.

The situation in Gaza highlights the urgent need for investment in global infrastructure, particularly in regions with high levels of conflict and instability. The lack of access to basic services, including education, has severe consequences for individuals and communities. According to a report by the International Rescue Committee, every dollar invested in education generates a return of up to $10 in economic growth.

The situation in Gaza also has significant implications for the global economy, particularly in terms of trade and investment. The blockade has severely limited the flow of goods and services into Gaza, making it difficult for businesses to operate and for aid to reach the territory. The lack of access to basic services, including education, also has serious consequences for human capital development, with many individuals forced to abandon their education due to lack of access to schools.

The situation in Gaza is part of a larger pattern of instability and conflict in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has had a profound impact on the region, with many countries and organizations struggling to provide aid and support to those affected. The blockade of Gaza is a classic example of the "resource curse," where the lack of access to resources and services has severe consequences for individuals and communities.