In the last 10 days, at least eight United Nations-run schools serving as shelters to displaced Palestinians have been hit by Israeli attacks. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that 120 of their educational institutions have been hit since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza on October 7. Families living in these shelters face overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, fatigue, and trauma, with limited access to aid and supplies.
Journalist Mohammed Mhawish, who sought shelter in a UN-run school with his family after their home was destroyed, described the challenges faced by residents, including shortages of food, water, and medicine, and the constant threat of bombardment. Psychological support is also lacking, especially for children who have experienced multiple displacements and the horrors of war.
UNRWA’s senior communications officer Louise Wateridge highlighted the difficulty in providing aid to those sheltering in schools due to restrictions on movements, the siege, and safety concerns. The breakdown of law and order, along with protracted forced displacement, further compounds the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Despite the hardships, some residents feel lucky to have the relative safety of the schools compared to living in tents or on the sand. International organizations like Doctors Without Borders stress the urgent need for psychological support programs for children and families, as the negative psychological and social impact of gathering in crowded shelters exacerbates the suffering of individuals. Overall, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing challenges for those seeking refuge in UN-run schools.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
