What You Need to Know
• The Israeli military has destroyed three schools in southern Lebanon, according to Education Minister Rima Karami.
• At least 20 schools have been completely destroyed in Lebanon, with over 100 others reported damaged.
• The ongoing conflict has left approximately 500,000 Lebanese children out of school, as reported by UNESCO.
On July 18, 2026, Lebanese Education and Higher Education Minister Rima Karami announced that the Israeli military had looted and destroyed three schools in southern Lebanon. This incident adds to the escalating destruction of educational institutions amid the ongoing conflict, which intensified into a full-scale war in March 2026. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) previously reported that 17 schools had been destroyed, bringing the total to at least 20. The conflict has severely impacted education, leaving around 500,000 children out of school and raising concerns about the long-term effects on their development and wellbeing. Karami urged the international community to intervene and protect educational institutions from military actions.
Why It Matters
The destruction of schools in Lebanon is part of a broader conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah that began escalating in March 2026. Since the conflict’s escalation, Israeli attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including at least 4,324 deaths and over 12,223 injuries. The ongoing violence has displaced more than one million people and severely disrupted the education system, with UNESCO warning of lasting consequences for children’s education. The situation highlights the urgent need for international attention and action to protect educational facilities during armed conflicts.
Read the Full Story →
