The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that nearly 100,000 children in Lebanon could be unable to begin the upcoming school year after conflict-related damage rendered hundreds of schools unusable.

In a statement issued Friday, UNICEF cited a nationwide assessment conducted by Lebanon's Ministry of Education and Higher Education with the agency's support. The assessment found that 340 schools and educational institutions were damaged across the governorates of Nabatieh, South Lebanon, Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon, including 17 schools that were completely destroyed.

UNICEF said many of the affected schools require extensive rehabilitation, while those that were destroyed must be rebuilt before they can safely reopen.

The agency warned that prolonged disruptions to education could lead to higher school dropout rates, increased child labor, and worsening psychological and social challenges for children who remain out of the classroom.

UNICEF called for urgent investment to repair damaged schools and restore safe learning environments before the start of the new academic year, stressing that safeguarding children's right to education remains a humanitarian priority amid Lebanon's ongoing challenges.