The Islamic University of Gaza, one of the territory’s most prominent educational institutions, was struck and destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on October 10, 2023.

Founded in 1978, the university has long been a cornerstone of higher education in Gaza City. However, Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted the site, alleging that Hamas has used the institution for military purposes, including weapons development and training.

The bombing comes amid the ongoing Gaza war, which began on October 7, 2023. Israel has defended strikes on civilian infrastructure it claims is exploited for militant activity, while critics argue that such actions devastate vital educational and social institutions.

The destruction of the Islamic University underscores the broader toll of the conflict on civilian life and infrastructure in Gaza, where schools, hospitals, and public facilities have increasingly found themselves in the crossfire.