UN Sounds Alarm: Over 2,100 Children Caught in Middle East Violence

United Nations (The Uttam Hindu): More than 2,100 children have been killed or injured since the escalating military conflict in the Middle East. This information was given by Ted Chaban, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Speaking to reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York, he said that it has been 23 days since the conflict began and children across the region are suffering the most during this period. He warned that if the fighting continues for longer or spreads on a large scale, the situation could become extremely dire for millions more children. He said that among those killed, 206 children are in Iran, 118 in Lebanon, four in Israel and one in Kuwait, reports Xinhua news agency.

He said that an average of 87 children have been killed or injured every day since the war began. In addition to the deaths and injuries, constant bombing and evacuation orders have forced large numbers of people from their homes in many countries.

In Iran, the United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that approximately 3.2 million people have been displaced, including approximately 864,000 children. In Lebanon, more than 1 million people have fled their homes, including approximately 370,000 children. Chaaban said that even before the conflict escalated, approximately 44.8 million children in the Middle East were living in conditions already affected by conflict.

Referring to his recent visit to Lebanon, he said that the situation there is extremely worrying and that what is happening across the region requires global attention and concerted action. More than 350 government schools in Lebanon have been converted into relief camps, disrupting the education of nearly 100,000 children. Furthermore, water supply has deteriorated, and several health workers have died while assisting people.

UNICEF has so far delivered essential supplies to 151,000 displaced people in more than 250 camps and remote areas. Nearly 46,000 people in 188 camps are being provided with water and sanitation. However, they warned that needs are rapidly increasing and available resources are falling short.

"We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. As the Secretary-General has indicated, we need a political path forward and a stop to this conflict," they said.