Gaza , Sep 20 (V7N) – In the summer of 2023, Lana Haroun emerged as one of Gaza's top students, passing her tawjihi, the Palestinian secondary school certificate exam, and enrolling at Al-Azhar University to study English translation. "I worked really hard and achieved what I dreamed of. I got the top ranks in Palestine. I was so proud," she shared in a voice message from Gaza.

However, her aspirations, along with those of countless young people in the region, have been shattered. Over the past 11 months, Haroun and her family have been displaced multiple times due to heavy fighting, leaving her feeling that her dreams, much like her university’s translation faculty, are being reduced to rubble.

Due to the blockade by Israel and Egypt, which has restricted movement in and out of Gaza for 17 years, Haroun, despite her academic success, had no chance to study abroad. "I chose to study locally to stay close to my family because safety was crucial for my success. That sense of safety has totally shattered," she said.

The ongoing conflict has devastating implications for Gaza's youth. Nearly 40% of the population is 14 years old or younger, making education critical for their future. However, UNICEF reports that about 625,000 children will miss another year of school due to the war, with many forced to focus on basic survival instead of their education.

Satellite imagery reveals that 92.9% of Gaza's schools have suffered damage, with many requiring complete reconstruction before they can reopen. As of now, UNRWA has repurposed most of its schools as shelters, turning them into places of despair and hunger, according to its head, Philippe Lazzarini.

The ongoing strikes, including 21 recorded attacks on UNRWA schools serving as shelters in July alone, have compounded the crisis. Israel has stated that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure for military purposes, while Hamas denies these claims. Critics have raised concerns about a systematic effort to dismantle the Palestinian education system, a phenomenon they describe as "scholasticide."

As the war continues, Gaza’s youth face an uncertain future. Some universities in the West Bank have begun offering virtual classes to students in Gaza. Lecturers like Andira Abdallah from Birzeit University volunteer to help, providing a rare academic escape amidst the chaos.

Many students, like Fatma Asfour and Abdallah Baraka, face immense challenges in continuing their studies. Asfour, who has struggled to connect to the internet amidst the destruction, expressed her determination to pursue a career in makeup or fashion. Baraka, a computer science student, shared the difficulties of concentrating amid the search for basic necessities like water and food.

Despite the bleak circumstances, students remain hopeful for the future. "I just want to get a job, preferably working in AI. I'd like to live and build a career," Baraka said, embodying the resilience of Gaza's youth.

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