As the September 15 start date for the Lebanese school year approaches, the Ministry of Education faces a significant dilemma. Numerous public school facilities across the country are currently occupied by families who fled their homes due to the ongoing cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The presence of these displaced populations has effectively turned classrooms into temporary housing, leaving officials to determine how to accommodate both students and those seeking refuge.

While the government has expressed a desire to resume normal operations, the reality on the ground remains volatile. The conflict has caused significant damage to infrastructure in southern Lebanon, further complicating the ability of students in border regions to attend classes even if schools were cleared. There is currently no clear consensus on how the state will transition these facilities back to educational use without displacing vulnerable families who have nowhere else to go. The situation highlights the broader impact of the regional instability on Lebanon’s public services, as the education sector struggles to function amidst a persistent humanitarian emergency.