WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 1 – The Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Catherine Russell, yesterday expressed concern about the killing of children in the recent Israeli attack in Lebanon, the Agency reported. Anatolia.
“I am very concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Over the past week, at least 80 children have been reported killed in attacks, while hundreds more have been injured,” said Russell at X.
Citing a government report, he said the number of people who lost their homes due to the violence rose to over one million, including over 300,000 children.
“Thousands of children and families are now living on the streets or in shelters; many left their homes without essential supplies and goods. The humanitarian situation is getting worse every hour,” said Russell.
Stressing that UNICEF and its partners are on the ground in Lebanon to help children and families with essential support, he said the team is distributing drinking water, medical supplies, mattresses and blankets as well as hygiene and baby kits.
“We provide health and nutrition services, child protection, as well as psychosocial support for children. But as violence increases, so do humanitarian needs. Any ground attack or further escalation in Lebanon will worsen the catastrophic situation for children. Such a decision must be avoided at all costs,” he said, calling for an immediate end to the attacks.
According to Russell, UNICEF reiterates its call for all parties to protect children and public infrastructure and ensure that humanitarian workers can reach those in need safely, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
The Israeli army announced yesterday that it had established a closed military zone near the border with Lebanon in preparation for an expected ground attack on southern Lebanon.
Since September 23, Israel has launched massive airstrikes against what it says are Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, killing more than 960 people and injuring more than 2,770 others, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
Several Hezbollah leaders were killed in the attack, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. – Named
