Israel’s Actions in Gaza Devastate Higher Education Institutions
By Edward Makuzva
In Gaza, higher education institutions have been completely devastated by Israeli forces.
Over 5,479 students, 261 teachers, and 95 university professors have been killed, while more than 7,819 students and 756 teachers have been injured.
These numbers continue to rise as Israel targets Palestine’s education and knowledge systems.
Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe Tamer Almassri reported that the Israeli military has destroyed or severely damaged all 12 universities in the Gaza Strip through airstrikes and bombings.
As a result, at least 625,000 students are now without access to education. Almassri described this as “scholasticide,” a systematic destruction and total annihilation of education.
Additionally, numerous cultural heritage sites, including libraries, archives, and museums, have been destroyed, damaged, and plundered.
“The targeting of civilian objects by Israeli armed forces, particularly those that are historical, educational, or cultural artifacts protected by special laws, is not only a serious breach of international humanitarian law and a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, but falls under the purview of the crime of genocide,” Ambassador Almassri said.
Ambassador Almassri urged the international community to send a clear message that those who target schools and universities will be held responsible.
He emphasized that accountability for these violations includes an obligation to finance and rebuild the education system.
The ambassador also noted that the phenomenon of scholasticide has intensified in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where the Israeli military has frequently raided educational institutions, arrested or detained students, restricted the movement of students and faculty, and undermined academic freedom by closing universities.
It is significant to note that Palestinians have one of the highest literacy rates in the world, with 97.7% literacy, as well as a high number of graduates and PhD holders.
He highlighted that the ongoing Israeli military offensive has prevented approximately 39,000 students in the Gaza Strip from sitting for the Tawjihi high school final exams, which were slated to commence on Saturday.
The Tawjihi exams are critical as they determine university prospects based on the obtained grades.
The assault on Palestinian educational and cultural institutions has a long history, predating the recent conflict.
Israel has consistently targeted Palestinian institutions that produce knowledge and culture, including the assassination of Palestinian intellectuals, cultural producers, and political figures.
The attack on education represents a systematic attempt to erase Palestinian culture, history, and identity.
The destruction of cultural heritage sites, libraries, archives, and museums is a loss for humanity as a whole. The international community must act to protect education and cultural institutions in conflict zones.
Palestinians have a strong tradition of valuing education, evidenced by their high literacy rates. The assault on their educational institutions is a severe blow to their future prospects and aspirations. The world cannot stand idly by while a whole generation is denied their right to education and a future.
Ambassador Almassri’s call to hold Israel accountable and finance the rebuilding of the education system must be heeded.
He said the international community must act to protect education and cultural institutions in conflict zones and ensure that those responsible for these war crimes are held accountable.
