New Delhi, March 24: The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East has resulted in over 2,100 children either killed or injured, according to Ted Chaiban, the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF.
In a press briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Chaiban highlighted that the conflict has persisted for 23 days, with children across the region bearing the brunt of the violence. He cautioned that if the fighting continues or escalates, the situation could become dire for millions more children.
According to reports from the Xinhua news agency, the casualties include 206 children in Iran, 118 in Lebanon, four in Israel, and one in Kuwait.
Chaiban noted that since the onset of the war, an average of 87 children have been killed or injured daily. Beyond the fatalities and injuries, ongoing bombings and evacuation orders have forced many families to flee their homes.
The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that around 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran, including approximately 864,000 children. In Lebanon, over a million people have left their homes, with around 370,000 being children.
Before the conflict escalated, nearly 44.8 million children in the Middle East were already living in conditions affected by violence.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Lebanon, Chaiban described the situation as extremely concerning. He emphasized the need for global attention and coordinated action regarding the ongoing crisis in the region.
In Lebanon, more than 350 government schools have been converted into relief camps, disrupting the education of about 100,000 children. Additionally, the water supply has deteriorated, and several healthcare workers have lost their lives while assisting those in need.
UNICEF has provided essential supplies to over 250 camps and remote areas, reaching approximately 151,000 displaced individuals. Furthermore, 188 camps have been equipped with water and sanitation facilities for around 46,000 people. However, Chaiban warned that the needs are rapidly increasing while resources are dwindling.
He stated, “We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. As the Secretary-General has indicated, we need a political path to halt this war and move forward.”
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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