Amidst ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, approximately 90,000 individuals, including 30,000 children, have been displaced from their homes, with 8 children among the 344 fatalities and 75 children among the 1,359 injured since October 2023, according to the latest Ministry of Public Health report.

The escalation of hostilities has not only led to civilian casualties but has also severely impacted essential services, including damage to water stations serving 100,000 people and closure of over 70 schools, affecting 20,000 students. Furthermore, 23 healthcare facilities, serving 4,000 individuals, are closed due to the conflict.

UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder, expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the obligation to protect children under International Humanitarian Law. The conflict exacerbates existing vulnerabilities in Lebanon, with overstretched health and education systems already on the brink of collapse due to economic crises since 2019.

UNICEF, alongside partners, is delivering crucial aid to affected families, including medical supplies, hygiene kits, and emergency cash support. Efforts also include facilitating education for internally displaced children and addressing immediate needs in collective shelters.

Beigbeder highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every child's access to education, protection from harm, and opportunity to thrive amidst the ongoing crises in Lebanon.