GAZA - Many of Gaza’s schools have been destroyed or turned into shelters for families displaced by a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Yet, teacher Israa Abu Mustafa remains determined not to let the devastation deprive traumatized children of their education.

After her four-story home was reduced to rubble by an Israeli airstrike, Abu Mustafa established a makeshift classroom on the ruins, sheltered under a tent.

This informal school has become one of the few remaining educational opportunities for children in her area.

"During the war, we had to collect water and gather firewood. Then Miss Israa found us and brought us here to keep learning," said 10-year-old Hala Abu Mustafa.

Starting with 35 students, the number has steadily grown to 70, with children ranging from preschool age to 11- and 12-year-old sixth graders.

Since the conflict erupted on Oct 7, schools have either been bombed or converted into shelters, leaving approximately 625,000 school-aged children in Gaza without access to education.

The Palestinian Ministry of Education reports that at least 10,490 students and university attendees have been killed in the Israeli offensive. Additionally, over 500 educators have lost their lives.

The conflict began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 40,861 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials.

Israel asserts that it makes significant efforts to prevent civilian casualties, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields and operating from schools—allegations that Hamas denies.

Abu Mustafa's lessons extend beyond the traditional curriculum, offering her students a sense of stability and routine amid the chaos.

The tent, though far from a conventional classroom, is a place where children once dreamed of studying abroad or becoming doctors and engineers to aid the people of Gaza, which has long struggled with poverty and high unemployment.

"We need chairs and tables so the children can learn properly instead of writing on the ground," the 29-year-old teacher explained.

Despite limited resources, Abu Mustafa continues to teach basic subjects, including religious studies, striving to keep her students engaged amidst ongoing bombings.

Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank have historically boasted high literacy rates, and their education systems, despite being underfunded, were a rare source of hope and pride for Palestinians.

"What could a child wish for? They deserve the right to learn in a safe environment, to play in a safe space, and to live without fear," Abu Mustafa emphasized.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters