Ten days into the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, UNICEF has warned that millions of children are facing catastrophic conditions across the region.
Since February 28, more than 1,100 children have reportedly been injured or killed, including 200 in Iran, 91 in Lebanon, four in Israel, and one in Kuwait. UNICEF warned that the number is likely to rise as the violence spreads.
The agency also highlighted major disruptions to education, with millions of children unable to attend school and hundreds of thousands displaced due to ongoing bombardment.
According to UNICEF, civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation systems has been attacked or damaged, severely affecting children’s survival and wellbeing.
The agency stressed that attacks on children and essential services violate international law and called on all parties involved in the conflict to halt the fighting, pursue diplomatic solutions, and take steps to protect civilians.
“Nothing justifies the killing and maiming of children or the destruction of essential services,” UNICEF said, noting that the region’s 200 million children depend on the international community to act swiftly.
