Wed Sep 25 05:54:26 UTC 2024: ## Lebanon Crisis: UNICEF Warns of Catastrophic Impact on Children
**Geneva, Switzerland** – UNICEF has issued an urgent plea for an immediate de-escalation of violence in Lebanon, warning of the devastating consequences for children amidst the ongoing conflict. In a press briefing today, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Lebanon, Ettie Higgins, highlighted the alarming situation, reporting that at least 35 children were killed on Monday alone – more than the number killed in the previous 11 months.
Higgins emphasized that the conflict is exacerbating an already dire situation for children, who have been impacted by the protracted economic and political crisis, the Beirut port explosion, the COVID-19 pandemic, and years of economic downturn.
“Countless more children are in danger as I speak, exposed to ongoing attacks, displaced from their homes and unable to rely on an overstretched and under-sourced health system,” Higgins said. “Any further escalation in this conflict would be catastrophic for all children in Lebanon, but especially families from villages and towns in the south and the Bekaa, in Eastern Lebanon, who have been forced to leave their homes.”
Over 1645 people, including children and women, were injured on Monday, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Schools across the country are closed, leaving children at home in fear. UNICEF is preparing to deliver food, water, and essential supplies to displaced families, and has already procured and delivered emergency medical supplies to hospitals.
“We urgently call for an immediate de-escalation and for all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilian infrastructure and civilians, including children, humanitarian workers and medical personnel,” Higgins stated.
UNICEF has been working to support and protect children in Lebanon for 76 years and is ramping up its response to the escalating crisis.
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