The Lebanese Minister of Education and Higher Learning, Abbas Halabi, announced the closure of schools in several regions of southern and eastern Lebanon due to intensified Israeli airstrikes.
The affected areas include the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah, and the regions of Nabatiyeh, Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, and South Lebanon, where hostilities have escalated since early Monday morning.
In a statement, Minister Halabi confirmed that all public and private schools, including technical and vocational institutions, will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday due to the worsening security and military situation in these provinces.
The closure of schools comes as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have surged, particularly in Lebanon’s southern regions.
Hostilities in the area have been a recurring issue, with Israeli forces frequently conducting airstrikes in response to activities by Hezbollah, a militant group that maintains significant influence in Lebanon and is supported by Iran.
The group’s stronghold in southern Beirut, known as Dahieh, often faces the brunt of these military actions.
Lebanon has been a flashpoint in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with numerous skirmishes and flare-ups occurring along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
The 2006 Lebanon War, which lasted 34 days, saw widespread destruction and civilian displacement. In recent years, the situation has remained tense, and intermittent cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel have disrupted efforts to maintain peace.
The closure of schools signals the growing concern over civilian safety, as local authorities seek to protect students and families from the potential dangers posed by the ongoing military operations.
Lebanese officials continue to monitor the situation closely as they prepare for any further developments that could escalate the conflict.
