Schools in Israel reopen after months of closure due to conflict

Schools in northern Israel have reopened after being closed for nearly a year and a half due to the Israel-Hamas conflict that began in early October 2023.

This reopening follows a ceasefire agreement reached in late 2024, leading to a relaxation of civil defense restrictions in regions such as Haifa Bay and Galilee.

The conflict led to the displacement of approximately 60,000 residents from northern Israel, with many seeking refuge in other parts of the country. The ceasefire, effective since late 2024, has allowed for a gradual return to normalcy, including the reopening of schools, the Times of Israel reported.

In a statement, the Israeli education ministry confirmed that the reopening would be gradual, citing damage to school infrastructure from the fighting, a shortage of teachers, and the displacement of many students who were evacuated with their families to central and southern Israel at the conflict's outset, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a separate notice to parents on Sunday, the ministry said about 12,600 students from 195 schools and kindergartens in 43 cities, towns, and villages in northern Israel were evacuated with their families in early October 2023.

The ministry added that each evacuated family can choose whether to return home and re-enroll their children in their original schools or stay in the evacuation locations, where the students can complete the school year.

The ministry also said it has allocated 50 million shekels ($13.89 million) to extend after-school activities in the north, alongside a comprehensive initiative to bolster students' mental resilience. This includes emotional support and guidance to help them recover from the impact of the conflict.

Earlier Israel has accepted a US proposal for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Jewish Passover holiday, according to a statement issued by the Israeli prime minister's office around midnight between Saturday and Sunday.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began on Friday and will last until 30 March, while the Jewish Passover week will be marked from 12 to 20 April.

According to the proposal by US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, on the first day of the extended ceasefire, about half of the 59 living and dead Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would be returned.

With IANS inputs