Lebanon shuts down schools after deadly pager device attacks

In the wake of a devastating mass pager attack that claimed nine lives and left 2,800 injured across Lebanon, the country’s Education Minister, Abbas Halabi, has called for the immediate closure of all public and private schools, universities, and higher education institutions.

This move is a strong condemnation of the attack, which is believed to have been orchestrated by Israel.

“We announce the closure of public and private schools, the Lebanese University, and all private higher education institutions tomorrow, Wednesday, in condemnation of the criminal act committed by the Israeli enemy against citizens,” Halabi declared.

The minister also appealed to the global community, urging them to intervene and stop Israel’s “killing machine, which shows no mercy or distinction, and has committed an unprecedented collective crime against the Lebanese people.”

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The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, targeted mainly pro-Iranian Hezbollah members, using handheld telecommunications devices that exploded unexpectedly.

Hezbollah has vehemently blamed Israel for the detonations, vowing “just retaliation from unexpected quarters” against Tel Aviv.

The Lebanese Health Ministry has warned citizens to dispose of any pager communication devices immediately, as the injured continue to pour in. Most victims have suffered hand injuries, while others have been wounded in the face, abdomen, and eyes.

This latest incident is part of an escalating exchange of cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel, set against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing offensive on the Gaza Strip. The Gaza conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7 last year, has claimed over 41,200 lives, predominantly women and children.

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