The start of Lebanon’s new school year has been postponed to November 4 due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has led to 75% of the country’s public schools being converted into shelters. This decision was announced by a United Nations official who highlighted the significant impact the conflict is having on the country.
According to the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, the conflict has had a devastating effect on children, with more than 600,000 people internally displaced across the country. Of this number, at least 350,000 are children, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
The crisis has forced over 300,000 people to flee to neighboring countries, with many seeking refuge in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. Within Lebanon, 185,000 individuals are currently housed in 1,000 shelters, with 80% of these shelters already at full capacity, indicating the overwhelming demand for assistance.
Riza also highlighted the challenges faced by those who are displaced, noting that many are forced to sleep on the streets or are unsure of where to seek shelter due to sudden evacuation orders issued at late hours.
Reports from Beirut have indicated that Israeli strikes have occurred without warning, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, Israel has been sending evacuation orders via text messages in the middle of the night, catching many people off guard.
