Beirut schools were closed on Monday following deadly Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese capital, which resulted in the deaths of six people, including the spokesman for Hezbollah, Mohammed Afif. The strikes, regarded as particularly significant, targeted central Beirut districts previously untouched by the recent wave of violence affecting Lebanon.
The Israeli air raids occurred late Sunday evening, marking the latest escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah as tensions remain high. The Education Minister, Abbas Halabi, made the announcement about the school closures, stating they would apply to both public and private educational institutions for at least two days, allowing for remote learning amid the conflict. He urged principals and school directors to exercise caution during these turbulent times.
According to statements from Hezbollah and the Israeli military, Afif was prominent within the organization and played a key role as chief of media relations. His death has raised concerns about the increasing risks posed to senior Hezbollah officials, as Israel's military operation extends beyond its previous focus on southern suburbs of the capital.
Six fatalities were confirmed from two separate strikes, one of which occurred in the Ras al-Nabaa district, and another struck the busy Mar Elias area, known for its dense population and significant presence of displaced individuals. This latest phase of conflict began with the Israeli military's decision to intensify operations against Hezbollah strongholds, unleashing airstrikes across more than 200 targets over the past 36 hours, as they attempt to secure their borders following heightened cross-border tensions.
Witnesses reported catastrophic scenes following the strikes, with clouds of smoke billowing over the densely populated cityscape of Beirut. Shukri Fuad, whose shop was obliterated by one of the blasts, expressed his despair, stating, "in just 15 minutes, our whole life's work was lost". Meanwhile, fire broke out from the wreckage, leading to explosions from nearby diesel fuel tanks. Local news agencies reported the flames were under control by Monday morning.
The recent conflict can be traced back to the escalation of violence after the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in widespread hostilities and marked the beginning of intensified military responses from both sides. Hezbollah, aligned with Hamas, has periodically conducted strikes against Israeli targets, aggravting the already volatile situation.
Israel’s military confirmed the operations via statements, asserting their commitment to neutralizing perceived threats from Hezbollah. The IDF characterized their actions as “precise, intelligence-based strikes” aimed at disrupting Hezbollah operations against Israel. Afif's influence was highlighted, noting his involvement not only in military strategizing but also in propaganda efforts aimed at shaping the narrative surrounding the group’s military actions.
Reactions to the strikes were predictably mixed; on one hand, Lebanese authorities condemned the violence which has left over 3,480 people dead since the conflict's resurgence, with many casualties recorded since September. Conversely, many remained apathetic, having grown accustomed to the recurrent realities of war. According to teacher Heba, whose own classes have shifted to online formats, the continued closures feel like the new norm: "You could be at home and get bombed; there's no longer any safe areas here."
Another manifestation of the conflict's impact is seen on the youth, with many children across Lebanon facing not only physical dangers but emotional and psychological distress, as educational institutions across the country have been repurposed as makeshift shelters for those displaced by the relentless violence.
The situation has seen multiple countries and international organizations pleading for urgent resolutions, as humanitarian conditions worsen amid continued military action. Despite there being talks of potential ceasefires, there remains little sign of de-escalation as both sides remain entrenched. Last week, reports indicated Lebanon was evaluating proposals from the United States aimed at establishing truces between warring factions, particularly focused on the Gaza situation, yet there were minimal developments toward establishing long-term peace.
Late Sunday evening, additional airstrikes were reported to have struck various locations within southern Lebanon. The Lebanese military has stated they are not parties to the current conflict but have warned Israel against directly targeting their armed forces, as strikes on army installations also resulted in casualties among Lebanese soldiers.
Despite the chaos, the Israeli military maintains it will continue its operations until it neutralizes all threats to its national security. By recently intensifying their focus on Hezbollah, officials have reaffirmed their strategies against any group they perceive as complicit in attacks or possessing offensive capabilities against Israeli territory.
The ramifications of the sustained violence are evident across the region; both humanitarian crises and increases in casualty figures threaten to destabilize Lebanon, which is already grappling with its own economic and political issues. The dialogue between conflicting parties remains tenuous, marred by mistrust, and calls for peace appear drowned out by the relentless cycles of conflict. The struggle continues, as the cries of the affected residents echo through the shattered streets of Beirut.
