A new school year has begun in the Gaza Strip after the suspension of Israel’s 16-month onslaught on the enclave, the Education Ministry said, Anadolu reports.

A ministry statement said students will attend sessions “at schools that are still standing, have been renovated and equipped, or through alternative schools and educational points that have been established in many areas”.

The ministry said it seeks to provide online courses for students who are unable to attend schools “to ensure that they continue their education”.

The new school year “started in Gaza amid massive destruction and a severe shortage of resources and capabilities”. The ministry appealed to human rights organisations to pressure Israel to allow access to materials needed for the education process in Gaza.

According to Palestinian figures, 85 per cent of schools in Gaza have been rendered inoperable by Israeli bombardment.