In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, three siblings—Sama, Abdullah, and Nada Musa—celebrated passing their Tawjihi high school exams on July 24, 2026, with exceptional scores of 97.5%, 94.6%, and 94.4% respectively. Sama Musa described their academic journey as “exceptional and difficult,” noting that while he expected higher grades, the harsh circumstances shaped their results.

Palestinian Minister of Education Amjad Barham reported that about 89,000 students across the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip took the Tawjihi exams this year. Over the past three years, more than 106,000 students in Gaza alone have sat for these exams, including 36,900 in 2026.

The United Nations highlighted the severe impact of conflict on education, stating that over 97% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the last two years of war. Despite this, many students who had lost hope before the war have returned to pursue their education, demonstrating remarkable determination to achieve their dreams.

The Musa siblings’ success symbolizes the broader resilience of Gaza’s youth amid ongoing hardships.

Sources