Child Casualties Surge in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire

In the seven days ending 13 May 2026, at least 59 children were killed or injured in Lebanon, even though a ceasefire was agreed on 17 April 2026. Since that date, 23 children have been killed and 93 injured. The cumulative toll since 2 March 2026 reaches 200 children dead and 806 wounded, a rate of roughly 14 children per day. A recent strike that hit a family car killed two children and their mother, underscoring the continued danger to civilians.

Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

• 2 Mar 2026 – Israeli attacks begin, marking the start of the current escalation.

Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

• 16-17 Apr 2026 – Lebanese authorities and Israeli officials announce a ceasefire.

Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

• 17 Apr 2026 – Ceasefire formally takes effect.

Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

• 13 May 2026 – UNICEF reports 59 children killed or injured in the past week.

Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

• 14 May 2026 – UNICEF updates the total child toll to 200 dead and 806 injured.

Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

• 200 children killed, 806 injured since 2 Mar.

UNICEF warns of rising child casualties, trauma in Lebanon despite ceasefire

• 23 children killed, 93 injured since the ceasefire.

UNICEF warns of rising child casualties, trauma in Lebanon despite ceasefire

• 59 children killed or injured in the most recent week.

UNICEF warns of rising child casualties, trauma in Lebanon despite ceasefire

• 770,000 children experiencing heightened distress from repeated violence, loss, and displacement.

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF

• 72 % of caregivers report children are anxious or nervous; 62 % say they are depressed or sad (UNICEF 2025 rapid assessment).

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF

• Overall casualties since 2 Mar: 2,896 people killed, 8,824 injured, 1.6 million displaced (? 20 % of Lebanon’s population).

UNICEF warns of rising child casualties, trauma in Lebanon despite ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes and artillery have intensified across southern and central Lebanon, targeting infrastructure and prompting daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah. Despite the 17 April ceasefire, strikes have continued, displacing large segments of the population and disrupting essential services. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with schools closed and families forced into temporary shelters.

Israeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

UNICEF has urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect children, and ensure the ceasefire holds. The agency is scaling up mental-health and psychosocial-support programmes, establishing safe spaces and community-based interventions. However, UNICEF notes that the demand for services far exceeds available resources, and it calls for urgent investment to prevent long-term harm.

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEFUNICEF: 59 Children Affected by Conflict in Lebanon Last WeekIsraeli attacks kill 200 children in Lebanon since March 2: UNICEF

Repeated exposure to bombings, displacement, and loss has left children vulnerable to chronic psychological disorders. Without secure environments and professional support, many risk developing lifelong mental-health issues. UNICEF’s 2025 assessment highlighted a sharp deterioration in child well-being after the 2024 escalation, with anxiety, depression, nightmares, and hopelessness reported widely.

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF

All casualty figures derive from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF; independent verification is lacking. Mental-health infrastructure remains insufficient, and safe-space facilities are scarce, limiting the reach of psychosocial programmes. The absence of a fully enforced ceasefire hampers delivery of aid and protection for children.

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF

• “Children are being killed and injured when they should be returning to classrooms, playing with friends, and recovering from months of fear and upheaval,” — Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF

• “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.” — Edouard Beigbeder

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF

• “The impact of repeated exposure to conflict on children’s mental health can be profound and long-lasting,” — Edouard Beigbeder

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF

UNICEF will continue expanding community-based psychosocial services and safe-space initiatives throughout Lebanon. The agency urges all conflict parties to fully observe the ceasefire, protect civilians, and allocate resources for child-focused mental-health care. Monitoring of casualty data and verification of compliance with humanitarian law remain priorities as the humanitarian community prepares for the next phase of response.

At least 59 children reportedly killed or injured in Lebanon in the past week despite ceasefire – UNICEF