The project aims to document and analyse the systematic destruction of Gaza’s higher education system, a phenomenon referred to as “scholasticide.” This issue is situated within the broader socio-political history of the region, emphasising the crucial role that education has played in Palestinian resistance and resilience under occupation.

Since October 2023, the destruction of Gaza’s academic infrastructure has escalated significantly, with all 13 universities being targeted, resulting in thousands of students and academics dead, displaced, or traumatised. This devastation highlights a deliberate attempt to dismantle Palestinian intellectual and cultural development, a process identified by UN experts as warranting further investigation under international law. 

The central question of the project centres on the scale, impact, and international legal implications of scholasticide in Gaza. It aims to examine how this destruction influences Gaza’s socio-economic fabric, the futures of its students, and global perspectives on the right to education in conflict zones.

The project aims to gather evidence, analyse consequences, and advocate for immediate global responses through collaboration among international educators, human rights advocates, and policy experts. It will document the damage, highlight personal testimonies, and evaluate the broader socio-legal context. Additionally, it will provide actionable recommendations to mobilise support for the reconstruction of Gaza’s education system and the pursuit of justice.

The findings will serve as a vital resource for policymakers, academic institutions, and advocacy groups, calling for a robust international response to protect education as a fundamental human right.