The Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Hossam Zomlot, spoke at University College London yesterday, Tuesday, on the devastating impact of the Israeli Occupation aggression on Palestinian education.

Zomlot introduced a new term, "educide," referring to the deliberate destruction of educational institutions and the systematic targeting of Palestinian intellectual leadership. He argued that the Israeli Occupation's actions amount to both genocide and politicide.

Zomlot pointed out that the Israeli Occupation has ruthlessly targeted over 370 schools in Gaza, amounting to 70 percent of the strip's school buildings. The aggression has extended beyond schools, reaching bookshops, libraries, publishing houses, and universities. Shockingly, every single one of Gaza's 12 universities has suffered damage or complete destruction, with soldiers and officers proudly documenting these actions.

The destruction of educational institutions is not only an attack on infrastructure but also a deliberate assault on the lifeblood of Palestinian society.

"They know, Israel does know that education is the lifeblood of any society, let alone the palestinian society. It is our lifeblood. It is our lifeline,"he said.

Highlighting the significance of education in Palestinian society, Zomlot pointed out that despite the challenges, Palestine boasts one of the lowest illiteracy rates globally. Moreover, he emphasized that Palestinians have one of the highest per capita rates of Ph.D. graduates worldwide, a testament to the resilience and determination of a society that has invested significantly in human capital.

Zomlot condemned the Israeli Occupation's actions, citing a specific incident on Jan. 17, when the Israeli Occupation military used 315 mines to demolish Al-Israa University, marking what he called a recorded confession to a war crime. He criticized the Israeli Occupation's brazen documentation and publicizing of such actions, accusing them of proudly flaunting war crimes.

The speech underscored the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect educational institutions in Gaza.

Zomlot urged the global community to recognize the strategic importance of education in building and sustaining Palestinian society, emphasizing that the assault on education is an assault on the very fabric of Palestinian life.