Students in Gaza who were born in 2008, often referred to as the 'Class of 2026,' recently completed their final high school examinations. These students have reached this academic milestone while living through the current conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges and infrastructure damage throughout the territory.

Reports regarding the context of these exams vary in tone and terminology. The Nation characterizes the environment in which these students have grown up as one defined by a blockade and describes the current situation as a genocide. This framing emphasizes the long-term psychological and physical impact of the conflict on the youth population. Conversely, other international reporting often focuses on the logistical difficulties of administering standardized testing in a war zone, such as the displacement of students and the destruction of school facilities.

There is a notable difference in how the conflict's impact on education is described. While some outlets focus on the resilience of the students in pursuing their education despite the lack of basic resources, others prioritize the political implications of the ongoing military operations. The academic year for these students has been marked by frequent interruptions, with many families displaced multiple times, making the completion of these exams a significant, albeit difficult, achievement for the cohort.