Mon Sep 09 14:31:00 UTC 2024: ## Global Community Urged to Condemn Gaza War and Protect Palestinian Education
**Doha, Qatar:** Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has called on the global community to unite and demand an end to the Gaza war, which has severely impacted education in Palestine. Speaking at the Fifth Observance of the UN International Day to Protect Education from Attack in Doha, Dr Wan Azizah emphasized the urgent need to safeguard education amidst the violence.
“We must make a powerful, joint statement condemning the violence that erodes the foundation of a peaceful future,” she urged attendees. “Education is not a luxury but a fundamental right, a lifeline, and as crucial to a child’s survival as food and medicine.”
The conference, themed “The Human Cost of War,” highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on children and the loss of education opportunities for generations of displaced Palestinians. Dr Wan Azizah stressed that education must be recognized as fundamental to humanitarian assistance, just like medical care.
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), over 625,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have been deprived of education since the Israeli offensive began on October 7th, 2023. The conference brought together global leaders, experts, advocates, civil society representatives, and youth, all united in their commitment to safeguarding education from attacks.
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