Schools Closed in Beirut Amid Ongoing Conflict
In response to the escalating violence in Beirut, the Ministry of Education announced the closure of all public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions offering face-to-face classes, starting Monday. This decision follows two deadly Israeli airstrikes that occurred over the weekend, resulting in at least six fatalities, including a prominent Hezbollah figure. The closures reflect the dire situation in Lebanon, where many schools have already been repurposed as shelters for those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Deadly Israeli Airstrikes Target Beirut
The Israeli airstrikes on Sunday targeted the Mar Elias shopping district in central Beirut, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. Witnesses reported hearing two violent explosions, with the Lebanese National News Agency confirming one death and nine injuries from the raids. The strikes are part of a broader military campaign by Israel, which has intensified since September 23, aiming to dismantle Hezbollah's leadership following a series of cross-border confrontations initiated by the militant group in support of Hamas.
Hezbollah's Leadership Losses
Among the casualties was Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah's chief spokesman, who was killed in one of the strikes. The Israeli military confirmed his death, highlighting his role as a key figure in the organization. Afif had been a member of Hezbollah since the early 1980s and was closely associated with the movement's former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was also killed in an Israeli airstrike in late September. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, with local businesses and homes severely impacted, as described by shopkeepers in the Mar Elias area.
