UNICEF says that, over the past week, an average of 11 children are killed or injured every 24 hours in Lebanon. The figures come as Israel expands strikes across the country despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Multiple reports cite heavy Israeli strikes overnight Wednesday into Thursday that hit towns and villages in southern Lebanon, after Israel declared new areas as a “combat zone.” Separately, an Israeli strike reportedly hit a building in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Thursday, during the ceasefire.
UNICEF also provides cumulative numbers. In the last seven days, 77 children have been killed or injured by Israeli attacks, with totals of 55 children killed and 212 wounded since the ceasefire began in April, according to UNICEF figures cited by the outlets. One outlet also reports a breakdown for the last seven days (15 killed and 62 injured), aligning with UNICEF’s overall weekly count. UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires describes the toll as “staggering.” The reports collectively emphasize the ongoing impact on children even as the ceasefire remains in place.
