A video circulating on social media shows students taking their exams on a beach in Gaza, following the destruction of hundreds of schools and universities by Israel during its aggression against the region since October 7. While the video is authentic, its timing is misleading, as it dates back to previous exams.
In the video, a group of students is seen sitting on the sand, surrounded by the sea, in a scene that embodies the Palestinian people's determination to face challenges. The video was accompanied by poetic verses reflecting Gaza's resilience, such as: "They destroyed the schools?! We built schools in our hearts... a fire!".
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that Israeli aggression has led to the destruction of 204 educational institutions, including 190 schools and 14 universities, in addition to partial damage to 305 institutions, comprising 293 schools and 12 universities. These figures reflect the extent of the devastation inflicted on the educational infrastructure in Gaza.
The public's reaction to the video was emotional, with many commentators noting that Palestinian students continue their pursuit of knowledge despite all difficulties. One wrote: "Who can break the will of this people and their steadfastness?", while another added: "The occupier has not defeated the spirit of the Palestinian student".
Background & Context
Despite the widespread circulation of the video, verifying the information highlights the importance of accuracy in news reporting. The video originally pertains to a mathematics exam in Gaza, specifically on February 16, 2026. The account that re-shared the clip is not from residents of the region, increasing the likelihood of misleading context.
It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Education in Gaza has not announced any current exams, making the circulation of the video at this time inaccurate. This type of misinformation does not rely on fabricating content but on recycling correct materials in incorrect contexts, necessitating greater awareness from journalists and the public.
Impact & Consequences
Despite the misleading context of the video, it does not negate the systematic destruction of educational institutions by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip. The educational system faces unprecedented challenges, with more than 12,800 students and 760 teachers and educational staff killed during the aggression.
The war has also destroyed the educational environment, depriving over 785,000 students of education at various levels, threatening the future of the coming generations in Gaza.
Regional Significance
These events highlight the dire humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinians and emphasize the need for international support for the educational sector in Gaza. They also underscore the importance of raising awareness about education as a fundamental right for every child, regardless of circumstances.
In conclusion, Gaza remains a symbol of resilience and will, as its people continue to challenge difficulties, affirming that education is the strongest weapon against occupation.