Israel Accused of Systematic Destruction of Gaza's Education Infrastructure

Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has accused Israel of deliberately destroying Gaza's education system, labeling it a "scholasticide." Yousaf made the statement in an interview with Al Jazeera, where he argued that the destruction of schools and the wider education system is part of a broader effort to erase Palestinian society. According to Yousaf, the deliberate targeting of educational institutions in Gaza is a form of collective punishment, aimed at disrupting the social fabric of Palestinian society. "This is not just about destroying schools, it's about destroying a society's future," Yousaf said in the interview. "It's about erasing the next generation of Palestinian leaders, thinkers, and innovators." Yousaf's comments come as the Israeli military continues to conduct airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The conflict has been ongoing for several years, with both sides accusing each other of human rights abuses and war crimes. The destruction of Gaza's education system has been a long-standing issue, with many schools and universities damaged or destroyed during previous conflicts. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), over 1,000 schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since 2008. Yousaf's use of the term "scholasticide" is significant, as it highlights the deliberate targeting of educational institutions as a form of collective punishment. The term is derived from the Greek words "scholē" (education) and "genocide," and is used to describe the systematic destruction of a society's education system. The international community has been criticized for its response to the conflict, with many accusing it of being too slow to act. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians, but so far, there has been little progress. As the conflict continues, Yousaf's comments serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the war. The destruction of Gaza's education system is not just a matter of infrastructure, but a threat to the very existence of Palestinian society.