Between September and November 2024, Israeli soldiers occupied several schools in southern Lebanon after fighting with Hezbollah. Investigations suggest that in at least two cases, the schools were intentionally destroyed, looted, and damaged, and these acts can be termed as war crimes. Over 100 schools were burned or seriously damaged, preventing thousands of children from getting an education. Examples of evidence in demolished schools include Israeli graffiti in Hebrew, Israeli military gear, and broken classroom equipment. In some cases, soldiers appeared to have spent the night in classrooms and removed school materials. Principals have experienced missing or destroyed equipment, including materials from global aid programs that had made donations. Airstrikes, demolitions, and ground fighting further destabilized schools. Lebanon has requested international aid to rebuild its schools and essential infrastructure. There is a growing demand for accountability and the end of the military occupation of school campuses. Children remain uprooted, and girls face more barriers to finishing their education due to security problems and social norms.
Pray for the improved educational infrastructure for all the schools damaged by war in Lebanon. Pray against the military use of educational facilities in the country. Pray for justice and peace to prevail between Lebanon and its neighboring countries (The Holy Bible, Psalm 68:10).
LORD, we stand in the gap for all the children in Lebanon. We plead for Your divine intervention in the country for the little souls, especially girl children, to have access to education and other basic needs and rights. LORD, equip them and use them for Your Glory, Father (The Holy Bible, Psalm 127:4).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
