The article highlights the harrowing experiences of Rayan Hamed, a 19-year-old Palestinian high school student whose life was drastically altered by the outbreak of war in Gaza. Prior to the conflict, she was a student at a high school in Beit Hanoun, with aspirations to attend pharmacy school in the coming years. However, as the war erupted, Rayan and her family were forced to evacuate to a refugee area in Dair al-Balah. Schools in their vicinity became makeshift shelters, hindering her ability to learn. With classrooms overcrowded and devoid of basic learning materials, her quest for education amidst chaos became increasingly challenging.

As the war progressed, the educational infrastructure in Gaza suffered catastrophic damage, with over 97% of schools reportedly destroyed. UNICEF condemned the attacks on educational facilities, highlighting the broader implications for the future of Palestinian youth. For Rayan, returning to Beit Hanoun after a ceasefire allowed her to see her family home in ruins, yet she continued to seek ways to learn. She managed to find private tutoring despite the continuing instability, attending lessons in makeshift classrooms. Balancing the realities of war with her educational aspirations, Rayan exemplifies the resilience of Palestinian students determined to pursue their dreams in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Rayan's story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of conflict on education, especially for young women in war-torn areas. The ongoing violence not only disrupts the immediate ability to learn but poses long-term threats to the future success of an entire generation. As the article describes, despite the challenges, Rayan's commitment to her education remains steadfast, and her dream of entering pharmacy school offers hope for a brighter future amidst the ruins of war.