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#Videocrux - Israeli blockade stifles learning for Gaza's children Israeli blockade stifles learning for Gaza's children
Gaza's schoolchildren may be back in class, but many are working without books or even writing paper, as the enclave still feels the effects of the Israeli blockade imposed in 2006.
No stationary for Gaza school children
This year, Gaza's schoolchildren face a drastic shortage of stationery and equipment. All 387 government-run primary and secondary schools serving 240,000 students - and 33 private sector schools serving 17,000 students - lack essential education materials, according to the education ministry in Gaza.
Israel stops stationary supply in Gaza
Israel's hermetic sealing of the strip, as part of its blockade against Hamas, has prevented most supplies of paper, textbooks, notebooks, ink cartridges, stationery, school uniforms, school bags, and computers and their spare parts.
Future of children at stake
Gaza's classrooms are now severely overcrowded, and often accommodate up to 40 or more pupils in a class.This has forced most UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and government schools to run double and sometimes triple shifts for children -- 56 percent of Gaza's 1.5 million people are under 18 years of age.

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