Israeli Forces Accused of War Crimes in Southern Lebanon Schools Occupation
Israeli forces have occupied multiple schools in southern Lebanon during their ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, engaging in acts that Human Rights Watch (HRW) has termed “purposefully damaged and vandalized” school properties, constituting war crimes, the organization reported on Wednesday.
“Many border villages have been devastated. In the few where school buildings remain intact, at least two were looted by Israeli forces,” said Ramzi Kaiss, HRW’s Lebanon researcher. “By looting schools, Israel has jeopardized Lebanese children’s right to education,” he added.
HRW has documented damage to at least seven educational facilities in border towns like Naqoura, Yarine, and Aita al Shaab. The organization indicated that there is evidence some of these schools were utilized as military bases during and following the conflict. Notably, at Naqoura Secondary School, HRW discovered Hebrew graffiti dated after the ceasefire in November 2024, suggesting continued Israeli troop presence there weeks after the truce.
According to UNICEF, over 100 schools in southern Lebanon have been destroyed or significantly damaged since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, resulting in tens of thousands of Lebanese students losing access to education.
Despite the existence of a ceasefire, Israeli forces have persisted in launching attacks in Lebanon, predominantly in the southern regions, targeting what they claim to be Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, though several civilian structures have been hit as well.
In response to HRW’s concerns, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that their operations sometimes occur from civilian buildings “due to operational necessity,” while characterizing the reported vandalism as “exceptional incidents.”
Kaiss warned, “The right to education for thousands of children is at risk. Rebuilding the schools is urgent—but so is ensuring accountability for the abuses committed.”
The situation highlights the ongoing conflict’s devastating impact on civilian infrastructure and the urgent need for accountability and protection of educational rights amidst warfare, reports 24brussels.
