LONDON, August 25, 2006 (WAFA)- Save the Children Alliance said children in Gaza still don't know if they will be able to go back to school this year as deepening poverty, continuing insecurity, and potential teacher strikes threaten to stop them from resuming their education. The new term is due to start on 2 September.

In the al Shoka area of southern Gaza, where Save the Children is working, four thousand children are awaiting the start of the new academic year but their return to their schools is uncertain. Their families cannot afford the school supplies, uniforms, or fees.

Some children are also afraid of the long walk to school, because of ongoing military activity near their homes, and parents face the difficult decision whether to send their children out on the street or not.

Children in al Shoka are hoping to return to school but are scared of the dangers they may face getting there. One child said: "I love to go to school. I want to go to school. But I am scared. I am scared of the shooting and shelling."

Teachers have said that they cannot afford the transportation and other costs to get to their schools because they have not been paid their full salaries since April. They are now facing the difficult decision of calling a strike and potentially delaying the start of the school year.

Paulette Hassell from Save the Children said: "Getting children back to school is vitally important to protect their future. To do this it is absolutely crucial that the education sector is funded to allow teachers to go back to work. We must also ensure that children are protected from the danger of the continuing military incursions. As long as the incursions continue, children will be at risk."

Save the Children responded with the delivery of school bags and school supplies to children in al Shoka's primary school, along with the delivery of household packages containing high protein food, hygiene supplies, toys and education materials for children.

While children are facing a number of challenges this academic year, Save the Children said it remains most concerned about their safety. It called on all parties to ensure that children are protected as they return to school.

(19:26 P) (16:26 GMT)