RAMALLAH, June 17, 2025 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education reported on Tuesday that 16,607 students have been killed and 26,271 wounded since the beginning of Israel’s assault on Gaza and the West Bank on October 7, 2023.

According to the ministry's statement, more than 16,470 student fatalities occurred in Gaza alone, with 25,374 injuries recorded. In the West Bank, 137 students were killed, 897 wounded, and 754 detained by Israeli forces.

The ministry also documented the deaths of 914 teachers and administrative staff, and injuries to 4,363 others across both Gaza and the West Bank. Over 196 educators have been arrested in the West Bank.

Damage to educational infrastructure has been described as extensive and devastating. At least 352 public schools have sustained heavy damage, including 111 schools completely destroyed. In addition, 91 public schools and 89 UNRWA-run schools have been bombed or vandalized.

The ministry also reported that 20 higher education institutions have been severely damaged, with 60 university buildings completely destroyed. In the West Bank, 152 schools and 8 universities have been stormed or vandalized, including destruction of school fences in Jenin, Tulkarm, and the towns of Bruqin and Kafr ad-Dik near Salfit.

The Ministry emphasized that 788,000 students in Gaza remain unable to attend schools or universities, with the education system virtually paralyzed. This marks the second consecutive year that high school students in Gaza are unable to sit for their final exams. In contrast, preparations are ongoing to hold the secondary school exams in the West Bank starting Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Furthermore, the Ministry condemned Israel's continued closure of six UNRWA schools in Jerusalem and its suburbs, which have been shuttered since May 8, 2025, disrupting access to basic education for Palestinian children in the city.

Y.S