Published on: 2026-04-10
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
UNESCO announced the launch of a large-scale emergency aid program in Gaza: 5.7 million dollars have been allocated for the protection of cultural heritage. These funds will also be used to restore access to education and support local media.
In the future, the organization plans to expand these funds to $116.5 million to ensure long-term recovery and strengthening of key public institutions.
Damage to cultural heritage
During the course of the war, Gaza’s cultural heritage has suffered serious damage: 164 cultural and historical sites have been damaged, many of which are important symbols of Palestinian identity. UNESCO is conducting emergency repairs of buildings and clearing rubble in the Old City of Gaza. Five sites have already been reinforced, and another seven are in the process of stabilization. Satellite monitoring of destruction is being conducted in parallel, and local professionals are undergoing training in emergency heritage protection methods.
Psychosocial support
In addition to the loss of cultural values, UNESCO pays attention to the psychological state of the population. More than eight thousand children, adolescents, and their parents who were forced to leave their homes have received psychological and social support through cultural and creative programs. In the future, the organization plans to support 21 thousand people and allocate grants to local artists to restore the cultural life of Gaza.
Help in the field of education
The Gaza educational system is also experiencing a severe crisis: the damage caused to the higher education and professional training sector is estimated at 379 million dollars; more than 80 percent of student campuses are destroyed or damaged. Nine out of ten students need psychological support, and most teachers do not have permanent housing.
Under these conditions, UNESCO helps children continue their education through educational game programs in mathematics and the Arabic language, as well as initiatives for socio-emotional development. High school students have been provided with more than a thousand tablets to prepare for exams.
Higher education has been partially restored thanks to the creation of the virtual campus Gaza, which has already joined about 20 percent of students. In the future, it will be able to provide remote education for more than 30 thousand people. In addition, five temporary learning spaces have been opened in the sector, where 13,800 students study, including almost seven thousand women.
Support for journalists
A separate area of work is supporting journalists. More than a thousand media workers, 60 percent of whom are women, have received psychological assistance. Laptops, voice recorders, mobile phones, and other communication means were purchased for 200 journalists. About 600 specialists underwent training in ethical journalism, mobile filming, photo and video production, as well as combating disinformation.
In the near future, UNESCO plans to provide comprehensive support to approximately one thousand journalists in Gaza.
The organization emphasizes: the scale of the destruction requires long-term international assistance. Emergency measures are already yielding results, but for the full restoration of culture, education, and journalism, further support from the global community is necessary.
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