Israel Appeals to UNICEF Over Iranian Missile Attacks on Children

On March 23, 2026, Israel's Deputy Director General for UN and International Organizations, Nina Ben-Ami, sent a letter to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, urging the organization to condemn the alleged use of cluster munitions by Iran in attacks against Israeli civilians. The letter highlights a series of missile strikes, particularly a notable incident on March 21, where an Iranian ballistic missile reportedly struck Rishon LeZion, impacting a kindergarten and daycare complex.

Israel urges UNICEF to condemn Iran over missile attacks on children

Israeli authorities have accused Iran of deploying ballistic missiles armed with cluster munitions, which they claim cause indiscriminate harm in populated areas. Reports indicate that at least 18 children and infants have been injured due to these attacks, with a five-year-old girl in critical condition and two other children, aged 10 and 12, sustaining severe injuries. Additionally, three siblings aged 13, 15, and 16 were reportedly killed in the strikes. The Israeli government has characterized these incidents as part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting minors.

The psychological toll on Israeli children has been significant, with thousands reportedly receiving care for severe anxiety linked to the ongoing violence. Ben-Ami's letter emphasized the need for UNICEF to recognize and address these severe violations of children's rights, urging the organization to take a firm stance against Iran's actions.

In her correspondence, Ben-Ami called for UNICEF to issue an explicit public condemnation of Iran's actions, stating, “As the global body mandated to protect the rights and well-being of children, I would like to raise this issue with UNICEF so that these severe violations are recognized and addressed globally.” Israeli authorities have also urged UNICEF to reinforce global efforts to protect children in conflict zones.

As of the time of reporting, Iranian authorities had not responded to the allegations made by Israel. UNICEF has also not issued an official comment regarding the situation. The lack of response from these entities raises questions about the international community's engagement with the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian implications of such military actions.

While Israel has provided detailed accounts of the attacks and their impact, there is currently no response from Iranian officials to verify or refute these claims. This absence of information creates a gap in understanding the full context of the situation and the potential for further escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran.

As tensions remain high, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The call for UNICEF's intervention highlights the ongoing humanitarian concerns and the need for a coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, in conflict zones.