**Israeli Army Destroys Three Schools in Southern Lebanon, Minister Reports**
In a recent statement, Lebanon's Education and Higher Education Minister Rima Karami reported that the Israeli military has destroyed three schools in southern Lebanon. The minister accused Israeli forces of looting the institutions before subsequently demolishing them with explosives, reducing them to "piles of ashes." This incident is part of a broader conflict that has seen significant destruction in the region.
According to Karami, the destruction of these schools adds to an alarming tally of educational institutions affected by the ongoing conflict. The fighting, which escalated into a full-scale war in March 2026, follows months of cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly intensified after the outbreak of violence in Gaza in October 2023.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported in June that at least 17 schools had been destroyed and over 100 damaged due to the conflict. With the recent demolitions, the total number of destroyed schools in Lebanon has now reached at least 20. The ongoing violence has left approximately 500,000 Lebanese children out of school, raising concerns about the long-term impacts on their education and overall well-being.
Minister Karami emphasized that the destruction of schools is occurring "before the eyes of the entire world," despite international commitments to protect educational facilities during armed conflicts. She urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel to cease attacks on schools and to ensure their protection from military operations.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement among the Lebanese population. Lebanese authorities report that since March, Israeli attacks have led to the deaths of at least 4,324 individuals, including 250 children, and have injured over 12,223 people. Furthermore, more than one million people have been displaced as a result of the ongoing violence.
In a related development, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-mediated framework agreement on June 26, which outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory. However, the agreement does not specify a timeline for this withdrawal and is contingent upon the disarmament of Hezbollah in the occupied areas.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has estimated that over 11,000 buildings in southern Lebanon have been destroyed since the conflict escalated earlier this year, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted on infrastructure and communities.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon, particularly the impact on children and education. The destruction of schools not only disrupts the immediate educational needs of children but also poses long-term risks to their development and future prospects.