Child casualties rise amidst deepening Middle East conflict

NEW YORK, 11 March 2026 - "Ten days into the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, the situation is becoming catastrophic for millions of children across the region. Since 28 February, more than 1,100 children have been reported injured or killed in the violence. This includes 200 children reportedly killed in Iran, 91 in Lebanon, four in Israel and one in Kuwait. These numbers will likely climb as the violence intensifies and spreads.

"Widespread disruption to education has left millions of children out of school across the region, while hundreds of thousands of children have been displaced by unrelenting bombardment. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation systems - upon which children depend to survive - have been attacked, damaged, or destroyed by parties to the conflict. Nothing justifies the killing and maiming of children, or the destruction and disruption of essential services that children depend on.

"Grave violations against children in armed conflict can constitute violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. UNICEF reiterates the Secretary-General's call on parties to the conflict to end the fighting and engage in diplomatic negotiations. UNICEF also calls on parties to take all necessary precautions in the choice of means and methods of warfare to minimize harm to civilians, including by avoiding the use of explosive weapons that disproportionally affect children.

"The region's children - all 200 million of them - are counting on the world to act quickly."

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