Ted Chaiban, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, described the situation as deeply alarming during a briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York
The escalation has also triggered widespread displacement across multiple countries. Representational Pic/File/AFP
Over 2,100 children have been killed or injured since the recent military escalation in the Middle East, according to UNICEF. The agency warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, with children bearing the brunt of the violence, reported the IANS.
Ted Chaiban, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, described the situation as deeply alarming during a briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Chaiban noted that, on average, around 87 children have been killed or injured each day since the conflict intensified.
Reported child casualties include-
- 206 in Iran
- 118 in Lebanon
- 4 in Israel
- 1 in Kuwait
Mass displacement worsens crisis
According to the IANS, the officials stated that the escalation has triggered widespread displacement across multiple countries. In Iran alone, the UNHCR estimates that up to 3.2 million people have been forced from their homes, including around 864,000 children.
In Lebanon, more than 1 million people have been displaced, among them approximately 370,000 children.
Even before the current escalation, nearly 44.8 million children across the Middle East were already living in conflict-affected environments, further compounding the crisis.
Strain on education and essential services
During a recent visit to Lebanon, Chaiban observed severe disruptions to daily life. Over 350 public schools have been converted into shelters, interrupting the education of roughly 100,000 students, as per the IANS.
Basic services are also under immense strain, with water systems damaged and healthcare workers reportedly killed while attempting to assist affected communities.
Humanitarian response under pressure
UNICEF has provided assistance to around 151,000 internally displaced people across more than 250 shelters, including those in hard-to-reach areas. Efforts include distributing essential supplies and supporting water and sanitation services in 188 shelters, benefiting approximately 46,000 individuals, the news agency reported.
However, Chaiban cautioned that humanitarian needs are escalating more rapidly than available resources.
Call for de-escalation
UNICEF has urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of civilians, particularly children. The organisation has echoed calls from the United Nations leadership for urgent de-escalation and a political resolution to the conflict, as per the IANS.
(with IANS inputs)
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