GAZA: Thousands of students in Gaza have completed their Tawjihi high school examinations despite severe disruptions caused by the ongoing war, with many celebrating their results amid displacement, loss and damaged educational infrastructure.
The results announcement on July 24 brought moments of relief for families across Gaza. In Khan Younis, siblings Sama, Abdullah and Nada Musa celebrated after all three passed their exams with high scores despite difficult circumstances throughout the academic year.
Sama Musa achieved 97.5 percent, while Abdullah scored 94.6 percent and Nada received 94.4 percent. The siblings said their academic journey was marked by psychological pressure, displacement and uncertainty.
“Even psychologically, a person did not have the energy to continue, but I challenged all circumstances so I could make my family happy and achieve the grade I had dreamed of for years,” Sama said.
The challenges were particularly significant for students with disabilities. Abdullah and Nada were unable to attend private lessons and relied on teachers visiting their home to continue their preparation.
Palestinian Minister of Education Amjad Barham said around 89,000 students from the occupied West Bank, occupied East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip appeared for the Tawjihi exams this year, while another 2,000 students took the exams from 46 other countries.
He added that more than 36,900 students in Gaza sat for the examinations in 2026, while more than 1,100 students who were expected to participate were killed during the conflict.
The education sector in Gaza has faced major damage, with schools affected, learning facilities disrupted and many students forced to study in temporary shelters and displacement camps.
The United Nations has reported widespread damage to Gaza’s education infrastructure, with the majority of schools requiring reconstruction or major rehabilitation before they can fully operate.
Teachers in Gaza also continued supporting students despite difficult conditions. Mathematics teacher Hanaa al-Sayed said many students arrived at classes carrying trauma and grief after losing family members.
“The students did not only need someone to explain the curriculum; they needed someone to listen to them and stand beside them,” she said.
Students also celebrated their achievements while mourning relatives lost during the war. Tala Abu Sukkar, from Bureij refugee camp, completed her Tawjihi exams after losing several family members, including her father, brother, sister and nephews and nieces.
She achieved an average score of 86 percent, describing the experience as both a moment of happiness and sadness.
Despite the hardships, educators and students said the results reflected the determination of Gaza’s younger generation to continue pursuing education despite the destruction around them.
Originally Published by: Al Jazeera
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