UNICEF Reports Rising Child Casualties in Lebanon Amid Escalating Strikes

(MENAFN) An average of 11 children were killed or injured each day in Lebanon during the past week, according to UNICEF, which expressed alarm over the growing toll on children as military strikes intensified across the country.

Speaking in Geneva, UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires cited data from Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health showing that 77 children were killed or injured over the last seven days. Of that total, 15 children lost their lives while 62 others were wounded.

"UNICEF describes this toll as staggering," he said.

According to Pires, most of the affected children are believed to have been harmed in airstrikes carried out in southern Lebanon.

“We understand the vast majority of these children were impacted by airstrikes in South Lebanon,” Pires said.

He added that Thursday alone saw seven children killed and another 30 injured.

The spokesperson noted that child casualties have continued to be recorded despite the ceasefire announced in mid-April. Since then, 55 children have reportedly been killed and 212 others wounded.

UNICEF renewed its appeal for all sides to uphold the ceasefire and adhere to international humanitarian law.

“Under international humanitarian law, children and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times,” the spokesperson said.

The agency also urged that humanitarian organizations be allowed safe, prompt, and unrestricted access to all affected regions, particularly in southern Lebanon, so they can provide critical assistance to those in need.

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