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srael’s war on Gaza, seen by many as a genocide, has had a devastating impact on the enclave’s educational system. This is one of the most distressing aspects of the current humanitarian crisis in Palestine. An educational genocide – a deliberate and systematic effort - has resulted from this devastating war. It is an attempt to demolish the intellectual foundation of an entire civilisation. The key infrastructure has been seriously damaged and many people have lost their lives as a result.
According to research conducted by the University of Palestine, Education Amid Genocide, published in October 2025, nearly 727,000 students have been unable to attend classes. The loss of more than 20,000 children and adolescents, a third of the total fatalities in Gaza, and injuries suffered by an additional 50,000 students, raises significant concerns. The educational infrastructure of the region has suffered a catastrophic setback, with nearly 90 per cent of Gaza’s 797 schools either destroyed or severely damaged. The higher education sector has been devastated. This is evidenced by the destruction of 65 university buildings and 150 fatalities among staff members. The higher education sector serves over 90,000 students across its 18 colleges and provides employment for 5,150 individuals.
The academic community in Gaza has exhibited remarkable resilience despite facing significant challenges. Facilitated by the introduction of new e-learning technologies, over 63,000 students have resumed their studies online. However, they have encountered substantial obstacles, including frequent power outages and issues related to internet connectivity. The report highlights the urgent need for international assistance to support the rehabilitation of this vital sector. Such support may take the form of scholarships, financial aid for reconstruction efforts, and partnerships with educational institutions worldwide.
Considering the current crisis, the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, known as COMSTECH, has undertaken considerable efforts to restore academic unity, optimism and educational opportunities in both Pakistan and Palestine. A high-ranking delegation comprising vice chancellors and senior representatives from six distinguished universities in Gaza—namely the University of Palestine, Al-Aqsa University, Islamic University of Gaza, Al-Azhar University, Israa University and Gaza University—was organised by COMSTECH to visit Pakistan for a seven-day engagement. The primary aim of this visit was to explore viable solutions to revitalise and enhance the higher education and healthcare sectors in Gaza.
Under the leadership of Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, the COMSTECH coordinator general, important initiatives have been implemented to bolster the academic resilience of Palestine amid the challenging conditions. These initiatives encompass various research and capacity-building programmes, including the provision of 5,000 scholarships and fellowships for Palestinian students in collaboration with institutions in Pakistan. The Palestine-Pakistan Higher Education Forum, established by COMSTECH through the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence, seeks to foster connections between Palestinian universities and prestigious institutions within OIC member states. This collaboration aims to enhance academic engagement and programme development while also improving technological capabilities.
The academic community in Gaza has exhibited remarkable resilience despite facing significant challenges. Facilitated by the introduction of new e-learning technologies, more than 63,000 students have resumed online studies.
During their week-long visit, the Palestinian delegation engaged in extensive discussions with vice chancellors and scholars from several universities in Pakistan, including the University of the Punjab, Superior University, the University of Lahore, the National University of Science and Technology, Bahria University, the FAST University, Government College University, Faisalabad, The University of Faisalabad and Government College University, Lahore. A pivotal event during their trip was the Palestine-Pakistan Vice Chancellors’ Forum, convened at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and seven universities from Gaza-Palestine formalised their collaboration by signing a substantial memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing partnerships in science and technology and higher education.
Following the conclusion of their visit, an official statement was issued, expressing gratitude to the people of Pakistan and COMSTECH for their steadfast support. The statement included several significant commitments, including: (1) the enhancement of research and academic collaboration through joint programmes and exchanges; (2) the financing of capacity-building initiatives to facilitate the recovery of Gaza’s universities; (3) the promotion of student access to training and scholarships through COMSTECH initiatives; (4) the establishment of robust connections between Palestinian and Pakistani universities; and (5) the development of a comprehensive strategy for the reconstruction of higher education in Gaza. The declaration also proposed convening a conference focused on rebuilding and revitalising higher education in Gaza and Palestine, seeking to attract international support for the cause.
Throughout their visit, the participants experienced a profound sense of connection and shared purpose. Dr Ayman M Sobh of Al-Aqsa University remarked: “Education in Gaza has become an act of resistance, an enduring flame that cannot be extinguished.” Dr Salem Sabbah from the University of Palestine emphasised, “Your support is not merely a gesture of camaraderie; it is an essential lifeline for our students and educators.”
COMSTECH is embarking on a new chapter of academic diplomacy with this visit, marking the commencement of a significant period. COMSTECH and Pakistan have exemplified a profound truth: while bombs can obliterate structures, education holds the power to rehabilitate nations. This initiative will lay a robust foundation for the revitalisation of Gaza, driven by the transformative force of education. The relationships fostered during this endeavour will lay the foundation for this. These examples will illustrate that individuals are capable of collaboration, showcasing resilience and sustaining hope, even in the face of considerable adversity.
Muhammad Murtaza Noor is a senior analyst and writer with 25 years of experience in the higher education sector. He can be reached at: iucpss_pkyahoo.com.
Mazhar Abbas, author of The Aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971: Enduring Impact (Routledge, 2024) has a PhD in history from Shanghai University. He is a lecturer at GCU, Faisalabad, and aresearch fellow at PIDE, Islamabad. He can becontacted atmazharabbasgondal87gmail.com.His X-handle isMazharGondal87.