UNICEF Highlights Severe Impact of War on Children in Lebanon.

Beirut: The ongoing war in Lebanon is having a profound impact on the nation's children, resulting in severe physical injuries and deep emotional trauma. According to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, the conflict is drastically altering the lives of young individuals, leaving many with lasting scars. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, data from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reveals that since October 2023, 166 children have lost their lives, and at least 1,168 have been injured due to the ongoing conflict. The grim statistics continue to rise, with at least one child killed and ten injured each day since October 4th. While some children escape physical harm, they are not immune to the psychological distress caused by the violence and chaos surrounding them. Children throughout Lebanon are exhibiting troubling signs of distress, including overwhelming fear, anxiety, separation anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, and concentration difficulties. Many suffer from disrupted sleep patt erns, nightmares, headaches, and loss of appetite. The war has deprived them of the safety and stability that schools offer, leaving them without essential spaces for play, learning, and healing. The conflict is dismantling the nurturing environments necessary for children's well-being. Prolonged exposure to traumatic stress poses severe health and psychological risks to children, with potential lifelong consequences. UNICEF is actively providing emergency psychological support, reaching over 9,600 children and caregivers with psychological first aid and offering community-based support to nearly 10,000 children since September 23, 2024. UNICEF emphasizes that true healing can only commence with a permanent and immediate ceasefire, allowing children to safely access essential services and recover from the trauma of war. It is crucial to act now to prevent further harm and safeguard the future of Lebanon's children.