At least one child has been killed and 10 have been injured every day in Lebanon since October 4, the UN children’s agency UNICEF said in a statement on Thursday, as Israel continues its military campaign in the country.
Many other children, though unharmed physically, are deeply traumatized by the violence, it said, adding that many have shown severe signs of emotional distress, including separation anxiety, withdrawal, aggression and concentration problems.
Many children suffer from disrupted sleep, nightmares, headaches and loss of appetite, and without the stability of school, they lack spaces to play, learn and heal, it added.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell urged for an immediate ceasefire to protect children.
“War tears apart the safe and nurturing environments children need. When children are forced to endure prolonged periods of traumatic stress, they face severe health and psychological risks, and the consequences can last a lifetime.”
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said that 166 children killed and 1,168 injured since October last year.
