Gaza schoolgirl Rama Abu Seif yearns to resume her studies in a classroom, but her school has been converted into a dormitory for families displaced by war. Her textbooks were burned to fuel fires in clay ovens, and her school bag now contains clothes for a hasty escape in case of an Israeli bombardment. The 12-year-old missed sixth grade last year and will miss seventh grade as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas continues. "Of course, children my age and younger all wish to return to northern Gaza and experience school life again, to study and play, but all that has vanished, and we've lost two years due to the war," she lamented. There is little hope for Rama and many other children in Gaza to return to school soon, as the region has been devastated by Israeli bombings. Since the war started on October 7, schools have either been bombed or repurposed as shelters, leaving an estimated 625,000 school-aged children in Gaza unable to attend classes. Instead of engaging in sports and games at school, Rama stands in long lines to collect often dirty and undrinkable water. The situation shows no signs of improvement. Despite efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to mediate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, no progress has been made. The recent escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began last October when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the capture of about 250 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel's counter-offensive has led to the deaths of over 40,600 Palestinians, as reported by the local health ministry. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced, leading to a severe hunger and health crisis. Rama and her peers can only reminisce about better times in impoverished yet once lively Gaza, one of the world's most densely populated areas. Despite being under-resourced, the education system in Gaza and the occupied West Bank was a beacon of hope and pride for Palestinians, boasting high literacy rates. Since the war began, Gazans have been constantly on the move, seeking safety and shelter in schools like the one in Deir al-Balah where Rama and her family reside. However, nowhere feels safe. In early August, an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school housing displaced families resulted in approximately 100 deaths, according to Gaza's emergency services. Israel claimed the number was exaggerated and that 19 militants were among the dead. "In the past, we would open our bags to find books inside, ready for study," Rama recalled. "Now, we open our bags and find clothes, items for displacement that we carry with us wherever we flee."