The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that 200 children have been killed and 806 others injured in Lebanon in the ongoing Israeli attacks since March 2, warning of worsening humanitarian and psychological conditions for children.
In a statement issued Thursday evening, UNICEF said children in Lebanon continue to bear the heaviest toll from ongoing violence, displacement, and trauma despite the ceasefire announced on April 17.
The organization said that last week alone saw 59 children killed or injured, while 23 children have been killed and 93 wounded since the ceasefire began, describing the figures as a stark reminder of the continuing dangers and violations facing children.
UNICEF added that an average of around 14 children have been killed or injured every day since the start of the offensive, noting that children are being killed and wounded at a time when they should have been returning to school and normal life.
The organization also warned of severe psychological consequences from the war, saying nearly 770,000 children in Lebanon are suffering worsening mental distress due to violence, loss, and displacement amid a lack of adequate mental health and social support services.
UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder said the reality on the ground contradicts the declared ceasefire, adding that continued attacks are killing children, deepening their suffering, and leaving devastating lifelong effects.
The organization called on all parties to protect children, comply with international humanitarian law, and ensure the continuation of the ceasefire.
According to official Lebanese figures, the ongoing Israeli offensive on Lebanon since March 2 has killed 2,896 people and injured 8,824 others, while displacing more than one million people.
