School Attacks Surge 40% in 2024, Driven by Three Major Conflicts

The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack verified 8,566 attacks on schools and universities in 2024—a 40% increase from 2022–2023. Palestine, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo account for the highest toll. Gaza and the West Bank face sustained military operations amid dense settlement. Ukraine absorbs repeated air strikes on civilian targets. The DRC battles multiple fronts across four provinces. The spike reflects genuine intensification, not better counting.