Universities in Gaza Devastated Amid Ongoing War

Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza on 7 October, every university in the enclave has been either damaged or completely destroyed. Human rights groups have described the systematic targeting of higher education as part of an “ongoing crime of genocide,” with long-term consequences for Palestinian students and academic life.

More than 95 university professors have been killed, including 68 senior academics, according to Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. For Gaza’s 90,000 students, the collapse of the higher education system has left the future of an entire generation uncertain. Below is a summary of the institutions affected.

Islamic University of Gaza

Founded in 1978 and once home to over 17,000 students, the Islamic University was destroyed on 10 October after Israeli forces alleged weapons production on campus—an accusation for which no evidence has been presented. The university had previously been hit in 2008–2009 and 2014.

Al-Israa University

The youngest university in Gaza, established in 2014, was preparing to open a public museum for its 10th anniversary. Israeli soldiers occupied the building for 70 days before demolishing it with explosives on 17 January.

Al-Quds Open University

Once Palestine’s largest non-campus university with 60,000 students across the West Bank and Gaza, its Gaza branch was turned into a military barracks and later bombed on 15 November.

Al-Azhar University

Founded in 1991 during the First Intifada, Al-Azhar hosted 12 faculties and 17,000 students. Its campus south of Gaza City was bombed on 6 November, leaving large sections destroyed.

Palestine Technical College

Established in 1993 and serving around 1,800 students, the college in Deir el-Balah has now become a shelter for displaced Palestinians.

University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS)

Founded in 1998 with 8,500 enrolled students, UCAS also operated a donor-funded start-up incubator. On 22 January, Israeli forces shelled the campus while it was sheltering displaced families.

University of Palestine

Founded in 2005 and located in al-Zahra, the university has served as a shelter during the war. On 17 January, more than 300 mines were detonated on its grounds.

Al-Aqsa University

Originally founded in 1955 as a teacher training institute, Al-Aqsa University had 26,000 students and 32 lab spaces by 2022. Israeli forces shelled the campus on 22 January, despite it being used as a shelter.

Gaza University

Established in 2006 with ten faculties, Gaza University was destroyed by an Israeli air strike in December.

Hassan II University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Founded in 1992 with support from Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, this institution in Beit Hanoun was destroyed in December.

Dar al-Kalima University: Gaza Training Centre

Opened in 2020 to support young artists and cultural programming, the centre hosted workshops, exhibitions, and art therapy for children. Israeli forces destroyed the facility in late March during Holy Week.

The destruction of Gaza’s universities represents a profound blow to education, heritage, and professional development in the region. Rebuilding these institutions will take decades, with long-lasting repercussions for students, faculty, and the future of Palestinian society.

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