UNICEF Warns Children Face Horrific Violence Amid Middle East Conflict
“Children in the region are being exposed to horrific violence, while the very systems and services meant to keep them safe are coming under attack,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. She emphasized that “urgent action is needed by all parties to conflict to protect the lives of civilians and uphold the rights of children.”
According to UNICEF, more than 340 children have been killed and thousands injured so far. The agency highlighted that repeated attacks across multiple countries are destroying essential facilities and infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation systems, which children rely on daily.
The organization reported that over 1.2 million children in the region have been displaced by the conflict. UNICEF reiterated the call made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for an “immediate cessation of hostilities and genuine de-escalation,” stressing that all parties must exercise maximum restraint. “Under international humanitarian law, civilians, including and especially children, and civilian objects must always be protected,” the agency said.
The heightened conflict follows a joint offensive by Israel and the United States against Iran that began on Feb. 28, which has reportedly killed more than 1,340 people, including Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military bases, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.
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