UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell raised the alarm on Thursday about the growing number of casualties among children in the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel.
“Since October 4th of this year, at least one child in Lebanon has been killed and ten injured daily,” Russell said in a statement.
The war is impacting 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.
Russell emphasized the profound toll the war is taking on young lives, both physically and psychologically. “These injuries are not only physical,” she said, “but deeply emotional and psychological, inflicting wounds that could last a lifetime.”
UNICEF teams have witnessed an escalation in trauma among Lebanese children, with symptoms including extreme fear, anxiety, separation distress, nightmares, headaches, and loss of appetite.
The crisis has intensified as schools and other safe spaces remain closed, depriving children of opportunities to learn, play, and heal.
“War tears apart the safe and nurturing environments children need,” Russell added. “The prolonged trauma faced by these young lives carries severe risks to both their physical and mental health.”
Since September 23, 2024, UNICEF has provided emergency psychological support to over 9,600 children and their caregivers. Community-based programs are also aiding nearly 10,000 more children across the country.
Yet, Russell highlighted that without an end to the violence, true healing remains out of reach.
“An immediate ceasefire is vital for ensuring children’s safety, accessing essential services, and starting the recovery process,” she stated.
Russell concluded with an urgent call for action, underscoring 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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