Increasing Bombardment in Lebanon Endangers Children and Essential Services: UNICEF

BEIRUT: Children in Lebanon face increasing health and protection threats as the ongoing bombardment severely disrupts vital services, UNICEF reports. The damage includes waterborne diseases risks and compromised access to healthcare and education. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, at least 28 water facilities have been damaged, impacting water supply for over 360,000 people, predominantly in the country's southern regions. The true extent of the damage remains unclear due to inaccessibility of several affected areas. The conflict has also damaged numerous schools, 15 hospitals, and 70 primary healthcare centers. Six hospitals are out of service, with five partially operational, as per the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. UNICEF Lebanon Representative Edouard Beigbeder highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "As the frequency and intensity of the bombardments in Lebanon increases, extensive damage to essential infrastructure has been recorded and dozens of medical personnel and esse ntial service personnel have been killed." Beigbeder emphasized the need for adherence to international humanitarian law to protect humanitarian personnel and essential service providers. Needs are escalating as access to services dwindles. Humanitarian agencies estimate one million people require health, water, and sanitation services. Communities in Beirut and Mount Lebanon struggle with rising demands for water, shelter, and essential supplies as displaced families seek refuge. Government figures estimate 400,000 children have been displaced. Children face acute risks, including waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. Disruption to health services exacerbates these risks, while crowded conditions without adequate hygiene supplies increase the threat of disease spread. UNICEF has reported cases of scabies and lice in shelters and fears respiratory infections could rise with colder, wetter weather. Thousands remain on the streets without adequate shelter, bedding, or clothing. The surge in displ acement and service disruption also heightens risks of protection issues, including family separation. Since October 8, 2023, UNICEF and partners identified 67 unaccompanied children, reuniting 65 with their families. Lack of schooling further increases risks of injury, abuse, or child labor. UNICEF urges all parties to protect children and respect international humanitarian and human rights law. Beigbeder stressed, "Above all else, the children of Lebanon need a ceasefire. This is the only way to protect them and ensure the aid they need can be safely delivered at scale."