UNICEF Says 59 Children Killed Or Injured In Lebanon In One Week Despite Ceasefire

KUALA LUMPUR, May,2026 — UNICEF has raised serious concern over the worsening situation for children in Lebanon, saying that at least 59 children were reportedly killed or injured in the past week despite a ceasefire agreement that was supposed to reduce violence and protect civilians.

The United Nations children’s agency said children in Lebanon continue to face deadly risks from ongoing violence, displacement and repeated exposure to traumatic events. According to UNICEF, the latest casualties include two children from the same family who were killed together with their mother when a strike hit their car.

UNICEF said the ceasefire was agreed on April 17, 2026, but violence has continued to affect civilians, especially children. Since the ceasefire began, at least 23 children have reportedly been killed and 93 injured, according to figures cited by UNICEF from Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

The agency added that since March 2, 2026, at least 200 children have been killed and 806 injured in Lebanon. This means nearly 14 children have been killed or injured every day on average since the latest escalation began.

The latest figures have deepened concern that the ceasefire has not been strong enough to stop attacks affecting children and families. UNICEF said the continued casualties show that children are still exposed to grave violations and daily threats even after an agreement to halt violence.

UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder said children should be returning to school, playing with friends and recovering from months of fear, but instead they continue to be killed, injured and traumatised. He warned that the reality on the ground remains very different from the promise of the ceasefire.

Beyond the immediate deaths and injuries, UNICEF also warned of a growing mental health crisis among children in Lebanon. The agency estimated that more than 770,000 children are experiencing heightened distress due to repeated violence, loss and displacement.

Children and caregivers have reported symptoms linked to trauma and grief, including fear, anxiety, nightmares, sleeplessness and feelings of hopelessness. UNICEF said these children could face chronic or lifelong mental health problems if they do not receive proper mental health and psychosocial support in safe environments.

The agency said its 2025 Child-focused Rapid Assessment had already shown a sharp decline in children’s mental health after the 2024 military escalation. According to UNICEF, 72 per cent of caregivers reported that their children were anxious or nervous, while 62 per cent said their children appeared depressed or sad.

UNICEF said the continued violence has made the situation worse because children have not had enough time, safety or support to recover. The agency warned that repeated exposure to conflict could affect not only children’s wellbeing, but also their education, development and future.

The warning comes as Lebanon continues to face instability following months of conflict, displacement and damage to civilian life. Although a ceasefire was announced in April, reports of strikes and casualties have continued, keeping many families in fear and preventing displaced communities from returning safely to normal life.

UNICEF said urgent investment is needed in mental health and psychosocial support services to help children recover from the psychological impact of conflict. The agency said it is expanding support through safe spaces and community-based programmes across Lebanon, but current needs remain far greater than available resources.

The organisation also called on all parties to protect children, respect international humanitarian law and take all necessary measures to ensure that the ceasefire holds. UNICEF stressed that children must never be treated as acceptable casualties of conflict.

The latest child casualty figures add pressure on parties involved in the conflict to strengthen the ceasefire and prevent further attacks on civilians. Humanitarian groups have repeatedly warned that children are among the most vulnerable in any conflict because they suffer not only physical injuries, but also long-term emotional and developmental harm.

For many children in Lebanon, the crisis has disrupted school, family life, safety and access to basic services. Even children who survive attacks may continue to live with trauma caused by displacement, loss of relatives, destruction of homes and fear of renewed violence.

UNICEF’s latest statement shows that the ceasefire has not yet delivered meaningful safety for many children. While diplomatic efforts may continue, the humanitarian situation on the ground remains urgent, especially for families living in areas affected by strikes, displacement and insecurity.

The agency’s message is clear: a ceasefire must protect civilians in reality, not only exist on paper. Without stronger enforcement, more humanitarian access and immediate protection for children, Lebanon’s young population could continue to carry the cost of the conflict for years to come.