Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of concerns expressed by United Nations experts, as set out in a press release dated 18 April 2024, that Israel is systematically destroying the education system in Gaza.

We are alarmed by the disproportionate impact of the conflict on children in Gaza, including the severe disruption of education. Even with this welcome ceasefire, the impacts of the conflict remain devastating: we understand from the Education Cluster that all students in Gaza have not had access to school since 7 October 2023 and at least 88% of school buildings will need full or major reconstruction. Education for children is a right and is crucial for protection, health, and future prospects for peace. The UK is supporting the restoration of education services in Gaza, including through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The UK opposes the Knesset legislation preventing UNRWA from operating and urges Israel to ensure a responsible transition after its implementation on 30 January, to ensure vital UNRWA services, including education, can continue without interruption.