Children in Gaza prioritize work over school due to conflict.

Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, a 15-year-old boy named Mahmoud wakes up early in a crowded tent, displaced due to the economic situation in Gaza caused by Israel’s war. He spends his days collecting items like nylon and wood to use as fuel for his family, as his father was killed in an Israeli air strike. With over 97% of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed, many children like Mahmoud are forced to work instead of going to school. The collapse of Gaza’s economy has led to an increase in child labor, with long-term effects on the future generation’s education and mental health. Educational psychologist Yaqeen Jamal emphasizes the importance of rebuilding schools to secure the children’s future. Reconstruction in Gaza faces challenges due to ongoing Israeli interference, leaving children like 11-year-old Layla to work to support their families.

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