Image Source: Anadolu Ajansi
Lebanon – UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell brought attention to the devastating impact that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is having on children in Lebanon. She shared that, since October, Israeli attacks have tragically resulted in the daily death of one child and injuries to ten others.
As violence escalates, the urgent need for a ceasefire and an end to the suffering becomes more pronounced. With each passing day, the toll on children’s physical and psychological health becomes more severe.
Russell stressed the lasting impact of this trauma, noting, “When children are forced to endure prolonged periods of traumatic stress, they face severe health and psychological risks, and the consequences can last a lifetime.”
She added that thousands of Lebanese children, who have lived through months of Israeli bombardment, are showing worrying signs of distress, with emotional, behavioural, and physical symptoms stemming from the violence and chaos around them.
“The ongoing war in Lebanon is upending children’s lives, and in many cases, inflicting severe physical wounds and deep emotional scars.”
“UNICEF teams have met children who are gripped by overwhelming fear and increased anxiety, including separation anxiety, fear of loss, withdrawal, aggression, and difficulty concentrating.”
“Many have disrupted sleep, haunted by nightmares, headaches, and loss of appetite. Deprived of the safety, stability, and support that school provides, many of these children are left without the spaces they need to play, learn, and heal.”
Since 23 September 2024, UNICEF teams have provided urgent psychological support to help children and caregivers cope. To date, they’ve reached over 9,600 people with psychological first aid and nearly 10,000 children through community-based support.
However, Russell emphasised that proper recovery can only start once the violence ceases, stating, “We must act now to prevent more children from being injured or killed and to protect the future of every child in Lebanon.”
“Children in Lebanon need a permanent and immediate ceasefire so that they can safely access essential services and begin to recover from the trauma of war.”
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, since October 2023, 166 children have died, 1,168 have been injured, and over 2,800 Lebanese civilians have been killed, with more than 13,000 wounded as a result of Israel’s attacks.
