Dear Education Cluster members,

We now have reports of a total of 8 schools being damaged in Gaza due the recent escalation in conflict staring March 9. Reported are damages to 5 government schools, and 3 UNRWA schools. From reports it appears that Jabalia Martyrs Elementary school has sustained significant damage.

Government schools with damage:

•Jabalia Martyrs Elementary School, North Gaza Directorate; 105 windows damaged, 17 doors damaged, water tank damage, library partition and electricity panel damaged. Serves 1200 students in a double shift.
•Sha'ban El Rayyes Secondary School for Girls, East Gaza Directorate,15 windows damaged (glass was broken). Serves 749 girls in grades from 9 to 12.
•Al Sawafir Basic School for Boys, West Gaza Directorate, has damage in the main entrance gate. Serves 568 students.
•Ahmed Yasin School, Rafah Directorate, damaged the glass of 14 rooms; 10 classrooms, and two rooms used by the school administration, the teacher room, the library and the Science lab all damaged.
•Kamal Odwan School, Rafah Directorate, 4 classrooms sustained partial damage in the windows.
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UNRWA schools with damage:
•Jedda Co-ed Elementary School, in Rafah Directorate; window damage
•Riyad Elementary Boys School; in Rafah Directorate; window damage
•Mecca Prep Boys School; in Rafah Directorate; window damage

Response:
The Ministry has requested assistance in repairing Jabalia Martyrs Elementary School, and may also need assistance with the other schools. Below attached are a few photos of the damages.

UNRWA has not requested additional support at this time aside from additional consideration of students that may experience psycho-social distress.

We will also coordinate with the Child Protection Working Group for psycho-social needs, and WASH cluster for water and sanitation needs