Lebanon Closes Universities Amid Regional Tensions

The order for a one-day closure of all private higher education institutions and the Lebanese University was issued by Lebanon's Education Minister, Rima Karameh. This decision follows overnight airstrikes that targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa region. These strikes were reportedly in retaliation for rockets launched by Hezbollah towards northern Israel. The ongoing exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel across Lebanon's southern border has been a consistent feature of the regional landscape. The recent escalation has led to the displacement of thousands and a rising death toll. This is not the first time educational institutions have been forced to close. In September 2024, the government also ordered week-long closures of universities in the southern part of the country due to continued Israeli attacks. That same month, the Lebanese University had already suspended activities in several southern cities, citing the need to protect students and staff. The conflict has had a devastating impact on education, with over 500,000 learners affected. Many educational facilities have been shut down in targeted areas, and some have been repurposed to shelter displaced people. UNESCO data indicates that over 70% of public schools and other educational institutions have been unable to reopen at various times. These recent events compound an already dire situation for Lebanon's education sector, which has been grappling with a decade of crises. These include the influx of Syrian refugees, a severe financial crisis, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The compounded crises have led to significant learning loss, with students estimated to have missed over 760 teaching days since 2018 due to strikes, disruptions, and closures. The ongoing instability poses an "existential" threat to the country's higher education system, with university leaders expressing grave concerns about funding and the displacement of both students and staff. The Ministry of Education has stated it will conduct a daily assessment of the security situation to determine when it is safe for universities and schools to reopen. In the meantime, some institutions are preparing to implement distance learning to mitigate the disruption to the academic year. Public schools are also being prepared to serve as shelters for displaced families as part of a national emergency response plan. This highlights the immense strain on the country's infrastructure as it navigates the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis.