Israeli army destroys three schools in southern Lebanon, minister says

Israeli forces looted and destroyed three schools in southern Lebanon, reducing them to "piles of ashes," according to Education Minister Rima Karami. These demolitions add to the extensive damage to educational institutions in the region, with at least 20 schools now completely destroyed and 100 more damaged.

The conflict, which escalated into full-scale war in March, has severely impacted Lebanon's education system. UNESCO reported in June that 17 schools were destroyed and over 100 damaged. The latest attacks bring the total number of destroyed schools to at least 20. This widespread destruction has left approximately 500,000 Lebanese children out of school, raising concerns about the long-term consequences for their development and well-being.

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The schools were looted before being destroyed with explosives, reduced to piles of ashes.

Minister Karami condemned the destruction of schools "before the eyes of the entire world," urging the international community to pressure Israel to cease attacks on educational institutions. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli attacks since March have resulted in at least 4,324 deaths, 12,223 injuries, and the displacement of over one million people, including 250 children. The United Nations Development Programme estimates that over 11,000 buildings in southern Lebanon have been destroyed since the conflict intensified.

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The destruction of Lebanon’s schools and education system is taking place before the eyes of the entire world.