Tue Nov 19 17:09:47 UTC 2024: ## UN Condemns Killing of Over 200 Children in Lebanon Amidst Hezbollah-Israel Conflict
**Geneva, November 20, 2024** – The United Nations has issued a stark condemnation of the ongoing violence in Lebanon, revealing that over 200 children have been killed in less than two months of intensified fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder delivered the grim statistics at a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, highlighting a disturbing lack of international response to the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Elder reported that an average of three children have died each day in Lebanon since the conflict escalated in late September, with over 1,100 children injured and traumatized. The conflict, which began with Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel in October 2023, has seen widespread Israeli bombing campaigns targeting Hezbollah strongholds, but also impacting civilian areas. Lebanese authorities report over 3,510 total deaths since the beginning of the conflict, with the majority occurring since late September.
Elder drew parallels to the situation in Gaza, stating that at least 231 children have been killed in Lebanon since the outbreak of hostilities there in October 2023. He expressed alarm at the “intolerable” situation becoming “acceptable” and the “appalling” becoming “expected,” noting the lack of meaningful international action to stop the violence.
The UNICEF spokesperson also highlighted the devastating impact on Lebanon’s infrastructure, with hundreds of thousands of children now homeless and medical facilities under attack. Lebanese authorities report over 200 healthcare workers killed and 300 injured as of November 15th. Elder emphasized the urgent need for a decisive intervention to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
First Piper 