UNICEF statement on intensified strikes on Lebanon and the devastating impact on children
“The intensification of hostilities in Lebanon continues to exact a devastating and inhumane toll on children. In just minutes yesterday, as news of a regional ceasefire agreement briefly ignited hope across the country, deadly Israeli airstrikes struck across Lebanon, reportedly killing 33 children and injuring 153.
“Children and families faced a wave of bombardments that tore through communities with devastating impact. The latest bloodshed adds to a staggering 600 children either killed or injured in Lebanon since 2 March.
“UNICEF is receiving reports of children being pulled from under the rubble, while others remain missing and separated from their families. Many are experiencing trauma, having lost loved ones, their homes, and any sense of safety. Across the country, more than one million people have been uprooted, including an estimated 390,000 children, many for the second, third, or even fourth time.
“International humanitarian law is clear: civilians, including children, must be protected at all times. All parties to the conflict must take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access. The use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas pose a deadly threat for children. They must stop.
“UNICEF is on the ground in Beirut, treating many injured children under the UNICEF-supported Assistance and Care for War-Wounded and Affected Children (ACWA) programme. As needs surge, UNICEF is scaling up its emergency response. Our teams are helping to deliver essential supplies in shelters, medical supplies to public health facilities, and mobile units provide urgent care to displaced families.
“While ceasefire efforts elsewhere have brought a measure of relief, as the UN Secretary-General said earlier today, the ongoing military activity in Lebanon poses a grave risk to the ceasefire and the efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. The children in Lebanon cannot be left behind.”
