At least 59 children were killed or injured in Lebanon over a single week despite an active ceasefire agreement, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on 14 May 2025, raising alarm over deepening physical and psychological harm to young survivors across the country.

Scale of Child Casualties

According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, at least 23 children have been killed and 93 injured since the ceasefire came into force at midnight between 16 and 17 April. Since 2 March, the cumulative toll stands at 200 children killed and 806 injured — figures that underscore how consistently the ceasefire has failed to shield civilians.

On Wednesday alone, at least 33 people — including women and children — were killed in an escalation of Israeli strikes across southern and central Lebanon, according to Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center and local media.

What UNICEF Said

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

Beigbeder added that despite the agreement intended to halt violence, children continue to suffer repeated attacks and trauma that could have lifelong consequences. UNICEF also warned that more than 770,000 children in Lebanon are experiencing heightened psychological distress due to repeated exposure to violence, displacement, and loss. Reported symptoms among children and caregivers include fear, anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, and hopelessness.

UNIFIL Raises Alarm Over Drone Incidents

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) separately reported a series of drone incidents near and inside its positions in southern Lebanon that endangered peacekeepers and damaged UN facilities.

According to a UNIFIL statement issued on Wednesday, several presumed Hezbollah drones detonated on Monday and Tuesday near its headquarters in the southern town of Naqoura, where Israeli soldiers could have been present. Three drones exploded between 5 pm and 5:30 pm local time on Monday within metres of the headquarters, followed by another explosion on Tuesday at around 5:20 pm. Minutes later, an additional drone detonated inside the headquarters, damaging several buildings. No injuries were reported.

Broader Concerns Over Violations

UNIFIL stated it is increasingly concerned about the activities of both Hezbollah members and Israeli soldiers near UN positions. The force said it had formally protested the presence and movement of Israeli troops and vehicles near its headquarters, as well as the activities of non-state actors in the vicinity. This comes amid mounting international concern that the ceasefire framework is being systematically undermined by all parties, with civilians — particularly children — bearing the heaviest cost.

With the cumulative child death toll now at 200 since early March, pressure on international stakeholders to enforce ceasefire compliance is expected to intensify in the days ahead.