Gaza, September 19 (QNA) - The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the start of the new academic year in the Gaza Strip.
This is taking place under exceptional circumstances, after a three-year interruption caused by the Israeli aggression on Gaza. 
In a statement issued Saturday, the Ministry said that the new academic year in the Strip began following a thorough assessment of the situation of the education system and upon carrying out the necessary arrangements, setting up two educational tracks as to take into account students' circumstances both inside and outside the Gaza Strip.
The delay in the start of the academic year was due to technical and logistical reasons, it added, in addition to weather condition considerations because of high temperatures, especially that a large proportion of students will be receiving their education in tents and caravans. 
The Palestinian Ministry of Education noted that learning will take place in two main tracks: in-person and virtually, as to ensure learning continuity.
It highlighted, however, that in-person education is still the main track, targeting students who are currently in the Strip and who are capable of attending school in person.
The Ministry said that it sought to expand in-person education by setting up around 700 learning facilities across different areas, with an additional 25 temporary schools to be ready for use soon. 
As for virtual learning, it concerns students who are in the Gaza Strip but who are incapable of attending in person, in addition to those who are outside of the territory, the Ministry added. This arrangement will benefit 70,000 students within the Strip and 20,000 abroad, mainly in Egypt.
This academic year involves around 541,000 students in Gaza, including approximately 100,000 students enrolled in schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). (QNA)