The United Nations says the ongoing conflict in Lebanon is exacting a devastating toll on children, with the equivalent of a classroom of children killed or wounded every day since fighting escalated earlier this month.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, at least 111 children have been killed and 334 wounded in Israeli strikes since March 2, when Hezbollah began firing into Israeli territory, intensifying the regional conflict involving Israel.
A senior official from the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, described the situation as children “paying a terrible price,” calling for urgent de-escalation and a political solution to the war.
Across the wider region, about 1,200 children have reportedly been killed in recent weeks, including nearly 200 in Iran, four in Israel, and one in Kuwait.
Israel maintains it does not deliberately target civilians and says warnings are issued ahead of strikes to allow people to evacuate.
The conflict has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than one million people forced from their homes in Lebanon, including around 350,000 children. Many are now sheltering in overcrowded public buildings, including schools.
The disruption has severely impacted education, with many children missing school or receiving only limited instruction. Some schools have been converted into shelters, further complicating access to learning.
Families say conditions in shelters are difficult, with shortages of electricity, heating, clean water, and sanitation facilities.
UNICEF says it is providing humanitarian support, including water, sanitation supplies, warm clothing, and blankets, to families affected by the conflict, including those who remain in heavily bombed areas of southern Lebanon.
The UN continues to urge all parties to protect civilian infrastructure and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children caught in the conflict.
