GAZA — In the midst of widespread destruction and displacement caused by ongoing conflict, teacher Israa Abu Mustafa is making an extraordinary effort to ensure that Gaza’s children continue their education. Despite her own home being reduced to rubble by an Israeli air strike, Abu Mustafa has set up a makeshift classroom under a tent on the ruins of her former residence.
The tent school, which started with 35 students, now accommodates 70 children from pre-school to sixth grade. This initiative provides a rare beacon of hope and normalcy in a region where traditional schools have either been destroyed or repurposed as shelters.
Hala Abu Mustafa, a 10-year-old student, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn amidst the chaos, stating, “During the war, we had to fill water gallons and collect sticks for firewood. Then Miss Israa found us and brought us here to continue learning.”
Since the conflict began on October 7, schools across Gaza have suffered significant damage. The Palestinian Ministry of Education reports that at least 10,490 students and over 500 educators have been killed. The ongoing conflict, which erupted following an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on southern Israel, has resulted in devastating casualties on both sides, with over 40,861 Palestinians reported dead according to Gaza health authorities.
Abu Mustafa’s makeshift classroom provides not only education but also a sense of stability and routine for her students. Despite the lack of basic supplies like chairs and tables, she continues to teach essential subjects, including religious studies, to keep the children engaged.
The conflict has severely impacted Gaza’s education system, which was once a source of pride and hope for Palestinians, boasting high literacy rates despite economic hardships. Abu Mustafa emphasizes the right of children to learn in a safe environment, expressing a profound commitment to her students’ well-being and education amidst the turmoil.