The Islamic University of Gaza, once home to about 17,000 students, now tells a heartbreaking story of loss. Before the war, this vibrant campus offered studies ranging from medicine to literature, with women making up over 60% of the student body. But everything has changed.
After 18 months of relentless bombardment, the university now stands in ruins. The main auditorium is a charred shell, the seats twisted and damaged. Where learning and growth once thrived, chaos reigns.
Since a ceasefire ended on March 18, the campus has transformed into a refuge for hundreds of families fleeing the devastation. Tents fill lecture halls, and classrooms are repurposed for makeshift living. With no fuel available, families resort to burning library books for warmth and cooking. Children play in what used to be gardens, now just rubble and dirt.
A small market has sprung up near the main entrance, offering whatever little is available amid the chaos. However, their struggle for basic needs has intensified. Israel’s blockade has cut off food, fuel, medicine, and other essential supplies for over a month, adding immense pressure on the already strained local aid agencies.
To put this into perspective, a report from the United Nations highlights that over 1.5 million people in Gaza are in need of humanitarian assistance. The impact is staggering—many families now live on limited food rations, and access to healthcare is virtually nonexistent.
Social media is abuzz with discussions about the plight of Gaza. Users share their thoughts and images, hoping to raise awareness of the dire situation. Videos showing university life before the war contrast with the current scenes of despair, sparking conversations about the future of education and stability in the region.
In light of these developments, experts emphasize the need for immediate humanitarian access and long-term solutions. “Our focus must be on rebuilding lives and providing education,” says Dr. Amal Khalil, an educational advocate. “Without these foundations, the cycle of violence will only continue.”
As we watch these events unfold, the resilience of the people is evident, even amid their struggles. Looking forward, it’s crucial to remember that education is a powerful tool for peace and development, and efforts must be made to restore it in Gaza.
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Gallery, News, Gaza, Israel-Palestine conflict, Middle East, Palestine