Key facts
- Saba Rabah achieved 99.9 percent in Gaza's scientific stream exams, but her father was killed in an Israeli strike.
- Maram Muqit, who sustained a spinal cord injury, scored 96.6 percent while recovering from hemiplegia.
- Yahya Nasman, who scored 96.6 percent, was killed with five family members in an Israeli air strike.
- The Palestinian Ministry of Education reports at least 28,293 students wounded since October 2023.
- Students faced severe challenges including displacement, lack of resources, and studying in damaged shelters.
Despite the ongoing conflict and immense hardship in Gaza, Palestinian students have achieved notable success in their General Secondary Education Certificate exams. Saba Rabah secured the top position in the scientific stream with an exceptional 99.9 percent, though her achievement was overshadowed by the recent death of her father in an Israeli strike. She described studying under dire conditions, including fleeing displacement and facing scarcity of essential materials like textbooks and paper.
Maram Muqit, who was injured by an Israeli bullet and now suffers from hemiplegia, achieved an outstanding 96.6 percent. Her mother recounted the challenges of studying while recovering from a severe injury and the family's displacement. Despite her academic success, Maram's future is uncertain due to her disability and the lack of medical resources in Gaza.
Tragically, some students did not live to see their results. Yahya Nasman, who scored 96.6 percent, was killed along with five family members in an Israeli air strike a week before the results were announced. His uncle shared Yahya's dream of studying architectural engineering to help rebuild Gaza.
The Palestinian Ministry of Education stated that at least 28,293 students have been wounded by Israeli forces since October 2023. The students' stories highlight the profound impact of the war on education and the resilience of those pursuing academic goals amidst devastation and loss.