The Lebanese University, the only state-funded public university in the country, has announced the suspension of classes in three cities in southern Lebanon due to Israeli attacks. University branches in Sidon, Nabatiyeh, and Tyre will be closed on Monday to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff amidst the ongoing instability resulting from the continued Israeli assaults.
The decision to halt classes comes in the wake of escalating tension between Hezbollah and Israel following a deadly airstrike on Friday that claimed the lives of at least 45 people, including children and women, and left dozens injured in Beirut’s southern suburb. Hezbollah confirmed that 16 of its members, including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and top commander Ahmed Wahbi, were among those killed in the Israeli strike.
This recent attack occurred just two days after a series of explosions from wireless communication devices killed 37 people and injured over 3,000 others across Lebanon. While the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have pointed fingers at Israel for the explosions, Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the incidents.
The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel dates back to the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza, which began after a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7 last year. The violence has resulted in the deaths of over 41,400 individuals, with a majority of the casualties being women and children.
As the situation in southern Lebanon remains tense and volatile, the Lebanese University has taken a proactive step to prioritize the safety and security of its students, faculty, and staff by temporarily suspending classes in the affected cities. The university president, Bassam Badran, emphasized the importance of ensuring a secure environment in light of the continued Israeli assaults, which have created a sense of instability in the region.
While the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues to escalate, the impact on the education sector in Lebanon is evident with the closure of university branches in response to the heightened security risks. The safety of the academic community remains a top priority as the Lebanese people navigate through these challenging times marked by violence and uncertainty.