UN experts on Thursday expressed grave concern over the escalating pattern of attacks on schools, universities, teachers, and students in the Gaza Strip, raising serious alarm over what they term as 'scholasticide' - the systemic obliteration of education.

The experts highlighted that more than 80% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leading to questions about an intentional effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system. The term 'scholasticide' refers to the systemic obliteration of education through the arrest, detention, or killing of teachers, students, and staff, and the destruction of educational infrastructure.

In the aftermath of six months of military assault, the death toll includes more than 5,479 students, 261 teachers, and 95 university professors. Over 7,819 students and 756 teachers have been injured, with numbers growing each day. At least 60% of educational facilities, including 13 public libraries, have been damaged or destroyed, leaving at least 625,000 students without access to education.

The destruction extends beyond education, with 195 heritage sites, 227 mosques, and three churches also damaged or destroyed, including the Central Archives of Gaza, which contained 150 years of history. Israa University, the last remaining university in Gaza, was demolished by the Israeli military on 17 January 2024.

The experts emphasized the long-term impact of these attacks on the fundamental rights of people to learn and freely express themselves, stating, "When schools are destroyed, so too are hopes and dreams." They also noted that even UN schools sheltering forcibly displaced civilians are being bombed, including in Israeli military-designated “safe zones.”

The experts called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to protect educational institutions, teachers, and students. They reminded Israel of its obligations to comply with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on 26 January.

The experts expressed their shock at the annihilation of the cultural sector in Gaza, through the destruction of libraries and cultural heritage sites. They concluded by stating, "Attacks on education cannot be tolerated. The international community must send a clear message that those who target schools and universities will be held responsible," adding that accountability for these violations includes an obligation to finance and rebuild the education system. (ILKHA)