Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF
UN agency says ongoing Israeli attacks wounded more
than 800 others, warning that hundreds of thousands of children are suffering
severe psychological trauma
Amer Solyman
14 May 2026
At least 200 children have been killed in Lebanon as a
result of ongoing Israeli attacks on the country since March 2, UNICEF said
Thursday.
“Children in Lebanon continue to be at the sharp end
of ongoing violence, displacement and exposure to traumatic events,” the UN
organization said in a statement.
UNICEF said at least 59 children were killed or
injured in Lebanon during the past week despite a ceasefire agreement that has
been in effect since April 17.
According to the organization, 23 children have been
killed and 93 others injured since April 17, describing the figures as “a stark
reminder of the ongoing risks children continue to face.”
The agency said the overall toll among children since
March 2 has reached 200 killed and 806 injured, equivalent to nearly 14
children killed or wounded every day.
“Children are being killed and injured when they
should be returning to classrooms, playing with friends, and recovering from
months of fear and upheaval,” the statement said.
UNICEF added that beyond the direct impact of bombs
and airstrikes, an estimated 770,000 children are experiencing “heightened
distress” from repeated exposure to violence, loss and displacement.
It warned that the lack of mental health and
psychosocial support services within safe and stable environments could expose
those children to the “serious risk of developing chronic or lifelong mental
health issues.”
“Nearly a month ago, an agreement was reached to
silence the weapons and stop the violence. Reality is proving to be very
different. Continued attacks are killing and injuring children, deepening their
exposure to trauma and leaving devastating consequences that could last a
lifetime,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East
and North Africa.
The agency called on all parties to protect children,
comply with international humanitarian law and take all necessary measures to
ensure the continuation of the ceasefire.
Since March 2, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed
more than 2,896 people, injured over 8,824, and displaced more than 1.6
million, about one-fifth of the country’s population, according to Lebanese
officials.
The Israeli army continues daily strikes in Lebanon
and exchanges of fire with Hezbollah despite a ceasefire that was announced on
April 17 and later extended until May 17.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul
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