Middle East Crisis: Over 4 Children Killed or Injured Daily in Lebanon Despite 'Ceasefire', Save the Children Reports

Save the Children announced that during the first 25 days following the start of the temporary ceasefire, an average of more than four children per day have been killed or injured in Lebanon, with many families still unable to return to their homes.

According to new data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 22 children have been killed and 89 injured since the temporary ceasefire began on April 17. This brings the number of children killed by Israeli military attacks since the escalation of fighting on March 2 to approximately 200, with the total death toll reaching around 2,900. Continued violence and new evacuation orders have forced over 1 million people—one in six of the population—to flee their homes.

Despite the conditional ceasefire, new evacuation orders from the Israeli military and the discovery of destroyed homes and farmland have forced many families back into shelters. The number of families in collective shelters has increased by 5%, with approximately 125,000 people, including 44,800 children, now living in these facilities.

In overcrowded shelters, health concerns are rising due to inadequate water and sanitation, with reports of scabies outbreaks. Parents also report widespread behavioral changes in children, including loss of appetite and sleep disturbances, caused by a lack of daily routine and decreased school engagement. Online learning is also difficult due to power shortages and insufficient communication environments.

Tara* (10), who fled from southern Lebanon, said: 'I just want the war to end, to go back to my house in my village, and sleep in my own bed. I really miss school, my teachers, and my friends.'

Nora Ingdal, Country Director for Save the Children Lebanon, stated: 'When more than four children are killed or injured a day, this is no "ceasefire" for children. Attacks on civilians haven't stopped; they've simply continued in another form. Until a permanent and reliable ceasefire is achieved, children's safety will not be secured.' Save the Children calls on the international community to urgently work toward a permanent ceasefire and ensure flexible, sustained funding for families to rebuild their lives.