On 23 September, multiple airstrikes have caused devastation across Lebanon
Southern and eastern parts of Lebanon suffered devastating airstrikes, which have reportedly killed hundreds of people and injured thousands more, including women and children.
The impact on children is immense as Lebanon was already experiencing a protracted economic and political crisis, with reduced access to essential services such as clean water, health and education. As the conflict with Israel drastically escalates, it’s also triggering overwhelming levels of stress, anxiety, and fear across the community, especially among children.
Without an immediate de-escalation, Lebanon is at risk of a full-scale war, which would have a devastating impact on the 1.3 million children living in the country today.
No place is safe for a child while intense fighting and hostilities continue, but UNICEF, who has been in Lebanon for over seven decades, is on the ground, working with local partners to provide lifesaving support and hope to children in need.
Children in Lebanon are enduring crisis on top of crisis.
Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean coast and mountainous terrain, Lebanon is a nation with a captivating blend of cultures and traditions. It has grappled with political and economic challenges, including a prolonged civil war from 1975 to 1990, from which the country is still recovering.
Today, Lebanon is experiencing compounding challenges. With high unemployment rates, children are leaving school early to help supplement household income, creating an education crisis. Over 60 per cent of children are currently living in food poverty, and the health system is on the verge of collapse after years of being overstretched.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon’s neighbouring countries has brought an influx of Syrian and Palestinian refugees seeking safety within its borders. And as tensions continue to rise in south Lebanon, children and their families are facing an uncertain future.
The cost of the escalating crisis on Lebanon’s children
Since the conflict escalated between the State of Palestine and Israel in October 2023, Lebanon has been enduring a rise in cross-border conflict.
Lebanon children caught in the crossfire
Latest statements from UNICEF
Children in Lebanon pay a heavy price amid intensifying conflict.
On Monday, 23 September airstrikes across Lebanon reportedly killed at least 494 people, including 35 children. UNICEF Deputy Representative to Lebanon, Ettie Higgins, speaks of the devastating impact the cross-border conflict is having on children.
Where is the conflict escalating in Lebanon?
Since the conflict between Israel and State of Palestine escalated in October 2023, there has been an increase in hostilities at the Lebanon and Israel border.
The cost of the crisis on children
3.9 m
People in need of humanitarian support in Lebanon.
90,000
People are internally displaced, including 30,000 children.
How is UNICEF helping?
Without a permanent ceasefire in the region, Lebanon is at risk of a full-scale war, which would have a devastating impact on the 1.3 million children living in the country today.
UNICEF continues to support children and their families in Lebanon with safe drinking water, lifesaving nutrition and healthcare, and access to education while working to keep children safe from harm. We will continue to respond to the cross-border conflict as the situation evolves.
2.4 m
In 2023, UNICEF reached over 2.4 million people with safe drinking water.
121,000
In 2023, UNICEF reached over 121,000 young children and their caregivers with lifesaving nutrition and health care.
Children of Lebanon Crisis
Children are living through an unfolding crisis as the escalation in the conflict with Israel intensifies. When you donate to support our emergency work, you can help us be there for every child before, during and after an emergency, no matter what.
