The commissioner-general of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees says that, across the region, children are starting their new school term at UNRWA facilities, but not in Gaza, as more than “600,000 children are … living in the rubble” due to the offensive.

In a post on X, Philippe Lazzarini said: “More than 70 percent of our schools are destroyed or damaged.”

Those that still stand are being used as shelters for displaced families.

“They cannot be used for learning. With no ceasefire, children are likely to fall prey to exploitation, including child labour and recruitment into armed groups,” he wrote.

He added that a ceasefire is “a win for all”, including “respite” for civilians, the release of Israeli captives in Gaza and the increased flow of basic supplies, including learning materials.