At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF
Ongoing violence and displacement pushing over 770,000 children towards chronic mental health conditions
AMMAN/BEIRUT, 13 May 2026 – Children in Lebanon continue to be at the sharp end of ongoing violence, displacement and exposure to traumatic events. In the past seven days alone, despite an agreed ceasefire on 17 April 2026, at least 59 children have reportedly been killed or injured. This includes two children from the same family who were killed this morning, along with their mother, in a strike that hit their car. These are a stark reminder of the grave violations and ongoing risks children continue to face.
In total, at least 23 children have been killed and 93 injured since the ceasefire, according to the Ministry of Public Health, and brings the total to 200 children killed and 806 injured since 2 March, the equivalent of nearly 14 children killed or injured every day.
“Children are being killed and injured when they should be returning to classrooms, playing with friends, and recovering from months of fear and upheaval,” said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder. “Nearly a month ago, an agreement was reached to silence the weapons and stop the violence. Reality is proving to be very different. Continued attacks are killing and injuring children, deepening their exposure to trauma and leaving devastating consequences that could last a lifetime.”
Beyond the immediate impact of bombs and airstrikes, an estimated 770,000 children are experiencing heightened distress from repeated exposure to violence, loss and displacement. Children and caregivers report symptoms linked to traumatic stress and grief, including extreme fear and worry, nightmares, sleeplessness and feelings of hopelessness. Without mental health and psychosocial support in safe and secure settings, these children are at serious risk of developing chronic or lifelong mental health issues.
Evidence from UNICEF’s 2025 Child-focused Rapid Assessment (CfRA) already pointed to a sharp deterioration in children’s mental health following the 2024 military escalation, with 72 per cent of caregivers reporting their children were anxious or nervous and 62 per cent depressed or sad. Continued violence and instability have since deepened these impacts, leaving children without the time, safety, or support needed to recover.
“The impact of repeated exposure to conflict on children’s mental health can be profound and long-lasting,” said Beigbeder. “Children in Lebanon have endured waves of violence, displacement, and uncertainty, often with little or no time to recover. Without urgent support, the psychological scars of this compounded crisis may stay with them for years, affecting not only their wellbeing, but their future and the future of the country.”
Urgent investment in mental health services and psychosocial support services is critical to help children recover from the psychological impact of conflict and prevent long-term harm. UNICEF is scaling up mental health and psychosocial support services across Lebanon, including through safe spaces and community-based programmes. However, needs continue to far outpace available resources.
UNICEF is calling on all parties to protect children, uphold international humanitarian law, and take all necessary measures to ensure that the ceasefire holds.
ENDS
For more information, please contact UNICEF UK Media team at [email protected] or 0208 375 6030.
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