UNICEF Director-General Catherine Russell sounded the alarm on Thursday over the growing number of child casualties in the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel.
“Since October 4 of this year, at least one child has been killed and ten others injured every day in Lebanon,” Russell said in a statement.
The war affects thousands of children across the country. Since October 2023, 166 children have lost their lives and 1,168 have been injured, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
Ms. Russell emphasized the heavy toll that war takes on children, both physically and psychologically. “These injuries are not only physical,” she said, “but also deeply emotional and psychological, inflicting wounds that can last a lifetime.”
Unicef teams have noted an acute increase in trauma among Lebanese children, with symptoms including extreme fear, anxiety, separation anxiety, nightmares, headaches and loss of appetite .
The crisis has intensified as schools and other safe spaces remain closed, depriving children of the opportunity to learn, play and heal.
“War destroys the safe and nurturing environments that children need,” Ms. Russell added. “The prolonged trauma these young lives face carries serious risks to their physical and mental health.”
Since September 23, 2024, Unicef has provided emergency psychological support to more than 9,600 children and the people who care for them. Community programs also help nearly 10,000 additional children nationwide.
However, Russell stressed that unless the violence is stopped, true healing for children remains elusive. “An immediate ceasefire is essential to ensure the safety of children, access to essential services and the start of the recovery process,” she said.
Russell issued an urgent call for action, emphasizing the need to protect Lebanon’s future by preventing further harm to its youngest citizens. “We must act now,” she stressed, “to prevent more children from being injured or killed.”
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