UNICEF: Israeli war on Lebanon leaves serious repercussions on children
The Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, Catherine Russell, warned today that the ongoing Israeli war on Lebanon is leaving serious repercussions and greatly affecting children.
Agence France-Presse quoted Russell as saying in a statement today: “The ongoing war in Lebanon is turning children’s lives upside down, often causing serious physical injuries and deep psychological scars,” explaining that according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 166 children have been killed since October 2023, while at least 1,168 others have been injured, and these tragic numbers are increasing day by day.
Russell pointed out that since October 4 of this year, at least one child has been killed every day and ten others have been injured, explaining that thousands of other children who have physically survived months of continuous shelling are now suffering from worrying signs of psychological, behavioral and physical distress and deep fear, and they are deprived of the safety, stability and support provided by school, as many of these children lack the places they need to play, learn and recover.
“War tears apart the safe and nurturing environments that children need, and when they are forced to endure prolonged periods of traumatic psychological stress, they face serious health and psychological risks that can last a lifetime,” Russell continued, noting that UNICEF has provided psychosocial support to some 10,000 children, but true healing can only begin when a permanent and immediate ceasefire is reached so that the children can safely access essential services and begin to recover from the trauma of war.
Agence France-Presse quoted Russell as saying in a statement today: “The ongoing war in Lebanon is turning children’s lives upside down, often causing serious physical injuries and deep psychological scars,” explaining that according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 166 children have been killed since October 2023, while at least 1,168 others have been injured, and these tragic numbers are increasing day by day.
Russell pointed out that since October 4 of this year, at least one child has been killed every day and ten others have been injured, explaining that thousands of other children who have physically survived months of continuous shelling are now suffering from worrying signs of psychological, behavioral and physical distress and deep fear, and they are deprived of the safety, stability and support provided by school, as many of these children lack the places they need to play, learn and recover.
“War tears apart the safe and nurturing environments that children need, and when they are forced to endure prolonged periods of traumatic psychological stress, they face serious health and psychological risks that can last a lifetime,” Russell continued, noting that UNICEF has provided psychosocial support to some 10,000 children, but true healing can only begin when a permanent and immediate ceasefire is reached so that the children can safely access essential services and begin to recover from the trauma of war.
NR