Over the past six weeks, more than 690 children are reported injured in Lebanon

UNICEF calls for a ceasefire to protect children as the number of physical injuries and psychological suffering rises alarmingly.

Amman/Paris, October 4, 2024 – More than 690 children have reportedly been injured in Lebanon as the conflict has worsened significantly in recent weeks.

Since August 20, the number of children injured in the conflict has increased significantly, bringing the total number of injured over the past year to 890 as of October 2according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

A desperate call for the protection of children on the front lines

« This devastating conflict inflicts a heavy toll on children », said Adele Khodr, UNICEF regional director. « Doctors report to us that they have treated bleeding children, physically and mentally traumatized, suffering from deep wounds. Many of them are plagued by anxiety, flashbacks and nightmares related to the explosions. No child should ever have to face such horrors. »

The most common injuries among children include concussions and head injuries caused by the impact of explosions, as well as shrapnel and limb injuries. Hearing loss from blasts is also common.

Over the past year, at least 127 children have lost their lives, including more than 100 in the last 11 days alone, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

« These numbers are not abstract. These are innocent children, with dreams and a future, like everyone else », highlighted Adele Khodr.

During this time, it is estimated that more than 400,000 children have been forced to flee their homesexposed to fear, anxiety, destruction and death in an uncertain and unknown environment, without knowing when they will be able to return home or return to school. UNICEF is particularly concerned about the long-term impact of this situation on their mental health.

The Lebanese health system is seriously affected by the influx of victims. The conflict has directly affected medical infrastructure, with at least ten hospitals damaged, including a neonatal intensive care unit.

UNICEF’s mobilization for the children of Lebanon

UNICEF responded by delivering 100 tonnes of emergency medical supplies, with an additional 40 tonnes expected by the end of the weekend. These supplies are distributed to hospitals, primary care centers, temporary clinics and first respondersin order to provide essential care to families, particularly pregnant women and children, throughout Lebanon.
UNICEF also supports medical services in 50 shelters and organizes psychosocial support sessions.

Faced with the scale of needs in Lebanon, UNICEF is urgently appealing to the international community to scale up humanitarian aid and ensure that supply lines remain open. This will help deliver life-saving aid quickly and safely to children who desperately need it.

UNICEF renews its call for an immediate ceasefire and urges all parties to protect children and civilian infrastructure. The organization also calls for humanitarian actors to be able to access populations in need in complete safety, in accordance with obligations under international humanitarian law.

UNICEF spokespersons are available to respond to interviews. Do not hesitate to contact us.

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