ConflictZone – Lebanon Children Continue Facing Deadly Impact Despite Ceasefire
ConflictZone – A sharp rise in violence across Lebanon has left children facing severe risks despite the implementation of a ceasefire agreement earlier this month. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over the growing number of young victims, warning that continued attacks are causing both immediate injuries and long-term emotional damage among children already affected by months of instability.
Rising Child Casualties Raise International Concern
Recent figures released by Lebanon’s Health Ministry show that at least 23 children have lost their lives and 93 others have been injured since the ceasefire began between April 16 and 17. The ministry added that since March 2, the total number of child casualties has climbed to 200 deaths and 806 injuries.
UNICEF said the latest escalation demonstrates that vulnerable civilians, especially children, remain exposed to danger even after diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities. Aid organizations have also warned that repeated violence is disrupting education, family life, and healthcare access for thousands of families.
Deadly Strikes Reported Across Southern and Central Lebanon
According to Lebanon’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center and local media reports, at least 33 people, including women and children, were killed on Wednesday during a series of Israeli strikes targeting areas in southern and central Lebanon.
The attacks have intensified fears among residents who had hoped the ceasefire would provide stability after months of conflict. Several communities affected by the strikes were already dealing with displacement and damaged infrastructure from earlier fighting.
UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, said children should be focusing on rebuilding their lives, returning to school, and recovering emotionally rather than continuing to face violence.
Psychological Trauma Affecting Thousands of Families
Beyond the physical casualties, UNICEF highlighted the growing mental health crisis among children across Lebanon. The agency estimates that more than 770,000 children are experiencing serious emotional distress linked to repeated exposure to violence, displacement, and uncertainty.
Medical workers and humanitarian agencies have reported increasing cases of anxiety, fear, sleep disorders, nightmares, and emotional withdrawal among children and caregivers. Experts say prolonged exposure to conflict can create lasting psychological effects that continue long after violence ends.
Families living in high-risk regions are also struggling with economic hardship, interrupted schooling, and limited access to basic services. Aid agencies fear that continued instability could deepen humanitarian challenges in the coming months.
UN Peacekeepers Report Drone Incidents Near Headquarters
At the same time, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed concern over multiple drone explosions near its positions in southern Lebanon. In a statement, the peacekeeping mission said several suspected Hezbollah drones detonated close to its headquarters in the town of Naqoura earlier this week.
According to UNIFIL, three drones exploded within a short distance of the headquarters on Monday evening, followed by another explosion in the same area on Tuesday. Minutes later, an additional drone reportedly detonated inside the compound, damaging several buildings.
No casualties were reported among peacekeepers, but the incidents caused concern over the safety of United Nations personnel and facilities operating in the region.
Concerns Over Military Activity Near UN Positions
UNIFIL stated that it remains increasingly worried about the movement and activities of both Hezbollah members and Israeli forces near United Nations locations in southern Lebanon.
The mission said it had formally objected to the presence of Israeli military vehicles and troops near its headquarters, while also expressing concern over the activities of armed non-state groups operating close to UN positions.
International observers continue to call for restraint from all sides, warning that further escalation could worsen civilian suffering and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in the region.