The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has begun reopening schools across Gaza following the ceasefire, marking the gradual return of thousands of children to classrooms after two years of conflict and displacement.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said more than 25,000 students had already joined the agency’s temporary learning spaces, while another 300,000 would continue their studies through online classes.

At Al Hassaina school in western Nuseirat, classes have resumed despite severe shortages of desks and classrooms.

The school, once a shelter for dozens of displaced families, is now being cleared to make way for returning students.

“I’m in sixth grade now, but I lost two years of schooling because of the war,” said 11-year-old Warda Radwan, one of the students eager to restart her education.

In the school courtyard, children began their first morning assembly in years, chanting “Long live Palestine!” before crowding into classrooms where as many as 50 students sat on the floor, writing in their notebooks without desks or chairs.

Jenin Abu Jarad, a relative of one student, expressed relief at the resumption of classes.

“Since October 7, there has been no schooling. The children only fetched water or played in the streets. Now, at least, they can return to learning,” she said.

The reopening, UNRWA officials say, marks an important step toward restoring normalcy for Gaza’s children amid ongoing recovery efforts across the war-torn territory.