Over 17,000 children have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israeli military operation

CAIRO - According to the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education, over 17,000 school-age children have been killed since the start of Israel's military operation in Gaza in autumn 2023, TASS news agency reported. The ministry said 17,175 children have died and 26,264 have been injured as a result of Israeli bombings and airstrikes or under the rubble of destroyed buildings. In the occupied West Bank, which is under the control of the Palestinian National Authority, 140 teenagers were killed and 927 injured in Israeli army and police crackdowns. In addition, 928 teachers and staff of educational institutions were killed, approximately 4 500 were injured and nearly 200 teachers were arrested.

During the Israeli raids in Gaza, 118 schools were destroyed and approximately 250 school buildings were severely damaged. In the West Bank, at least 150 schools and eight university faculties have been affected by unjustified raids and pogroms by Israeli forces. Since 18 May 2025, the Israeli army has launched an operation in the northern and southern Gaza Strip called Gideon's Chariots.

The aim of the operation, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is the complete destruction of Hamas and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Once the operation is over, the army plans to take control of the entire Gaza Strip.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, the total number of victims of Israeli aggression since 7 October 2023 has exceeded more than 57,500 dead and over 136,500 injured Palestinians.

According to reports from The Guardian, the conflict in Gaza continues with devastating effects on the civilian population, particularly children and the education system. Humanitarian organisations, including the UN, are warning of a collapse of education in Gaza, where over 80 % schools have been destroyed or damaged. Child survivors face not only physical injuries but also psychological trauma and loss of access to education. UNICEF said that more than 600,000 children in Gaza have no access to school, putting an entire generation at risk.

The international community, including organisations such as Amnesty International, has criticised Israel for its excessive use of force and violations of international humanitarian law. On the other hand, Israel defends its actions as necessary to ensure security and to dismantle Hamas terrorist structures. Tensions are rising in the West Bank, with raids by Israeli forces in Palestinian towns sparking further protests and clashes.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, according to The Guardian. Shortages of food, water and healthcare are exacerbating the suffering of the population. The UN warns of the threat of famine and the spread of disease. International pressure for a ceasefire is mounting, but negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked. Statements by world leaders, including those from the European Union, call for an immediate cessation of fighting and the resumption of humanitarian aid.

The conflict also has geopolitical implications. Some Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, have stepped up diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. Meanwhile, there are growing fears of escalating tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, where there have been cross-border clashes with Hezbollah.

International humanitarian law emphasises the obligation to protect civilians, especially children, and schools as civilian infrastructure, which has been repeatedly violated in this conflict.

TASS/gnews.cz - GH