UNICEF

Samagra Shiksha, the Andhra Pradesh state education body, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Khan Academy India to enhance education quality in 352 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) across the state. Supported by UNICEF, the partnership will provide specialized training to Intermediate-level teachers of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, and Zoology. Teachers will gain free access to Khanmigo, Khan Academy's AI-powered teaching assistant, enabling advanced digital content and AI-supported instruction. The training will be implemented in phases: first, highly competent Teacher Mentors (TMs) will be selected per subject and receive intensive training; then, remaining subject teachers will be trained on using Khan Academy's digital resources for effective science and mathematics teaching. The initiative aims to promote personalized learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace with technology-enabled classroom instruction. The MoU was signed at the Samagra Shiksha State Office in Vijayawada, attended by officials including State Project Director B. Srinivasa Rao, Khan Academy India's Shubhra Mittal, and UNICEF representatives.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:54 AM UTC

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi, now 39, broke Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record by netting a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria, bringing his total to 18 goals. Argentina secured top spot in their group, set to face Jordan next. Messi’s birthday on June 24 sparked global tributes from FIFA, teammates, and clubs, highlighting his enduring impact. He previously scored in a friendly against Iceland as preparation, declaring the team’s hunger for victory.

75 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jul 30, 12:57 AM UTC

UNICEF announced on July 22, 2026, that Real Madrid footballer Endrick has been appointed as its new ambassador in Brazil. The 20-year-old forward, considered one of the greatest talents of his generation, joins a group of Brazilian personalities including Maísa, Renato Aragão, Daniela Mercury, Lázaro Ramos, Bruno Gagliasso, and the character Mônica to defend children's and adolescents' rights. UNICEF representative Joaquín González-Alemán praised Endrick as an exemplary young man who inspires millions. Endrick expressed honor and responsibility, stating he wants to use his voice to encourage children to believe in themselves and fight for their goals. The appointment marks the beginning of a collaboration to support awareness and mobilization initiatives on childhood and adolescence issues in Brazil.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:14 PM UTC

A 2007 UNICEF charity calendar photo of a 20-year-old Lionel Messi bathing a five-month-old Lamine Yamal has resurfaced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The image, taken at Camp Nou by photographer Joan Monfort, went viral after Yamal’s father posted it in 2024. Now, 19 years later, the two Barcelona-trained stars will face each other as captains in the final at MetLife Stadium, symbolizing a generational torch-passing.

49 reports · 16 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:00 AM UTC

Spanish photographer Joan Monfort describes the behind-the-scenes story of a 2007 photo featuring a 20-year-old Lionel Messi bathing a 3-month-old Lamine Yamal for a UNICEF calendar. The image resurfaced in 2024 before the Euro semi-final, gaining viral attention after Yamal's father posted it. Monfort details the 16-minute shoot in Camp Nou's visitors' locker room, using his own daughter's bath toys. He reflects on the improbable coincidence that both players faced each other in the 2024 World Cup final nearly 19 years later, calling it a 'passing of the torch.' The photographer notes the unverifiable statistic of 1 in 625 trillion odds circulating on social media, and expresses awe at the seemingly fated connection between the two Barcelona stars.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:00 PM UTC

Topps has announced new trading cards tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, including a highly anticipated card featuring the iconic 2007 photo of Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal. The card, part of the Topps Stadium Club UEFA Club Competitions set, will be a rare short print with a one-of-one parallel, and a potential autographed version by both players is teased. Additionally, Topps released two limited-edition Topps Now cards commemorating the World Cup final halftime show, featuring Justin Bieber and Coldplay, available for $11.99 each until July 23. The article includes quotes from Messi reflecting on the fateful photo and from photographer Joan Monfort about the original 2007 shoot for a charity calendar.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:35 AM UTC

The article reports that children in northern Nigeria are suffering from rising malnutrition and poverty due to knock-on effects from the Iran war. The conflict has caused a spike in global fuel prices after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, driving up petrol costs in Nigeria from 800 to 1,400 naira per litre. This has increased food and fertilizer prices, worsening an already dire economic situation exacerbated by President Tinubu's reforms. Health workers in Sokoto state report a surge in children relapsing into malnutrition. UNICEF warns that up to 23.4 million additional children globally could fall into monetary poverty by year-end if the war continues, with 80% in Africa and Asia. The article highlights the long-term developmental risks for affected children.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:51 AM UTC

Joan Monfort, the photographer behind the famous 2005 image of Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal, spoke to SER Radio ahead of the Spain-Argentina World Cup final. He described the chance photo as a 'miracle' and the most significant work of his career, comparing its symbolic weight to a hypothetical photo of Michael Jordan bathing LeBron James. Monfort, a self-described Messi fan, expressed mixed feelings about the final, wanting both Messi's perfect farewell and the young Spanish team to succeed. He recalled the difficulty of photographing babies and a later encounter with Yamal, who did not remember the shoot. Monfort has not yet contacted Messi about the photo due to their status gap but hopes to meet him someday.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 12:36 AM UTC

Spanish footballer Mikel Merino expressed astonishment upon learning that a now-iconic photo of Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal is real, not AI-generated. The photo was taken in 2008 during a UNICEF campaign. Merino, speaking at a press conference, called the coincidence 'incredible' and 'fascinating,' noting how life sometimes creates situations that feel pre-written. The article, published by Foot Mercato on July 18, 2026, highlights the photo's viral status and its connection to the 2026 World Cup context, as both Messi and Yamal are key figures in Argentina and Spain respectively.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:47 PM UTC

The article highlights a series of coincidences involving the number 19 that link Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. It notes that 19 years ago, in 2007, the two participated in a charity photo shoot. Both players were 19 years old during their first World Cup appearances, both wore the number 19 shirt early in their careers at Barcelona, and the final is scheduled for July 19. Despite the eerie pattern, Yamal dismissed belief in numerology, referencing Portugal's coach who believed in the number 6 and was eliminated by a player wearing that number.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:34 AM UTC

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed senior Bangladeshi diplomat Rabab Fatima as his new Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Fatima, who currently serves as Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), succeeds Roza Otunbayeva of Kyrgyzstan. She brings over 30 years of experience in national and international civil service, including serving as Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN from 2019 to 2022. During her tenure, she served as President of the UNICEF Executive Board in 2020 and the UN-Women Executive Board in 2022, and became the first woman elected Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2022. Fatima also served as Bangladesh's ambassador to Japan from 2016 to 2019 and held diplomatic assignments in New York, Geneva, Beijing, and Kolkata. She holds a master's degree in international relations and diplomacy from Tufts University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Canberra.

1 reports · 1 sources

UNICEF, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), held a roundtable conference in Chennai on July 16, 2026, themed 'Why Invest in Children?' The event focused on the role of the private sector in advancing child well-being and development through corporate social responsibility (CSR). Speakers, including Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India representative, emphasized that no sustained economic growth can be achieved without investing in children, particularly as Tamil Nadu aims to become a trillion-dollar economy. Discussions explored collaboration between corporations, government, civil society, academia, and communities to support children's development. S. Narasimhan, chairman of CII SR task force, noted that member companies already invest heavily in childhood development and discussed expanding such projects with UNICEF, including contributions of manpower and infrastructure.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article highlights the growing concern regarding digital gambling among teenagers, citing UNICEF data that 80% of young people have been exposed to such practices. The report emphasizes that these activities occur primarily in virtual environments via personal mobile devices, which facilitates unsupervised, continuous engagement and isolates adolescents from their families. Mental health experts warn that this behavior weakens decision-making skills and displaces children from appropriate developmental environments. In response, the Argentine Advertising Council, in collaboration with organizations like UNICEF, the Red Cross, and Chicos.net, has launched an awareness campaign. The initiative focuses on empowering families to maintain open, non-dramatic dialogues with their children about the risks of online betting. A significant challenge identified is the lack of financial literacy among minors, with 66% unable to distinguish between legal and illegal platforms or recognize scams. The article underscores the need for sustained prevention strategies and improved parental supervision to mitigate the silent expansion of gambling addiction among youth.

1 reports · 1 sources

This Op-Ed analyzes Pakistan's decision to increase its defense budget by over 20% while cutting total federal expenditures by nearly 7%, prioritizing military procurement over social welfare. The central focus is the $5 billion Hangor-class submarine deal with China, the largest arms export contract in Chinese history, which proceeds despite International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions requiring reduced public spending. The article argues that funds allocated to the navy, including a separate PKR 402 billion for capital procurement, are diverted from critical needs such as healthcare, education, and flood relief in a country facing high food insecurity and climate disasters. Triggered by the May 2025 India-Pakistan border conflict known as Operation Sindoor, the budget hike reflects the military establishment's political dominance over civilian leadership. With the first submarine commissioned in April 2026, the author contends that this fiscal priority exacerbates the suffering of citizens who face austerity measures, highlighting a stark contradiction between national security ambitions and the basic human needs of the population.

1 reports · 1 sources

The United Nations has warned that the food crisis in Sudan risks becoming an even more serious tragedy without urgent international intervention. Approximately 19.5 million people, representing over 40% of the population, are currently suffering from acute hunger due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023. A joint report by the FAO, WFP, and UNICEF highlights that 14 areas in North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan are at risk of famine, with 135,000 individuals already facing catastrophic hunger levels. The situation is particularly dire for children, with an estimated 825,000 under the age of five expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2026, a 7% increase from the previous year. UNICEF officials warn that many children are arriving at overwhelmed health facilities too weak to cry. Additionally, the conflict has nearly doubled pre-war poverty rates, leaving seven out of ten Sudanese living on less than four dollars a day. Regional tensions in the Middle East are further exacerbating the crisis by driving up prices for essential goods like food and fuel.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israeli settlers, referred to as occupiers in the report, launched attacks on Palestinian properties in the occupied West Bank on May 15, 2026. In the village of Jibiya, northwest of Ramallah, assailants set fire to a mosque and multiple Palestinian-owned vehicles while spraying racist graffiti on residential walls. A separate incident occurred in Al-Lubban al-Sharqiya, south of Nablus, where attackers targeted homes along the main road, breaking down doors and instilling fear among women and children. The article highlights a broader escalation of violence in the region, noting increased military raids, arrests, and settler attacks since October 2023. Official Palestinian figures cited in the report indicate that these ongoing conflicts have resulted in 1,155 Palestinian deaths, approximately 11,750 injuries, and nearly 22,000 arrests. The report also references recent international developments, including UNICEF concerns about violence against children and EU sanctions targeting specific Israeli actors in the West Bank.

1 reports · 1 sources

This news compilation from May 15, 2026, highlights escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly failed to pass a war powers resolution limiting President Trump’s military actions against Iran, while CENTCOM Admiral Brad Cooper denied reports of civilian casualties during Senate testimony. Internationally, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS nations in New Delhi to unite against U.S. coercion. Meanwhile, President Trump concluded a state visit to China without securing agreements on Iran or the Strait of Hormuz, amid warnings from President Xi regarding Taiwan. In the Caribbean, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana as Cuba faced critical fuel shortages attributed to U.S. sanctions, prompting Democratic lawmakers to urge against further military escalation. Additionally, UNICEF reported significant child casualties in Lebanon following Israeli strikes, despite an existing ceasefire deal. These events collectively underscore heightened global instability and diplomatic fractures across the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

1 reports · 1 sources

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated hygiene and infection prevention materials to over 200 health facilities across all 27 local government areas of Borno State, Nigeria. The donation, announced by Francis Butichi, UNICEF Chief of the Maiduguri Field Office, includes Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facility Improvement Tools (WASHFIT) such as buckets, sprayers, and detergents. These resources aim to strengthen infection prevention and control, improve access to safe water, promote hygiene practices, and enhance healthcare waste management. Butichi emphasized that these measures are critical for protecting patients and health workers from preventable infections, particularly addressing the high maternal mortality rate in Nigeria, where a woman dies every seven minutes during childbirth due to unsafe environments or equipment. The initiative aligns with national standards and global WHO and UNICEF guidance. Muhammad Aliyu, General Manager of the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, praised the timely assistance and committed to ensuring the proper utilization and maintenance of the donated materials to support vulnerable women and children in the region.

1 reports · 1 sources

In an interview with Le Soir, humanitarian expert Rony Brauman condemns Israel's military campaign in Gaza as a cruel and methodical war of terror. He highlights unprecedented violence levels, noting that 80% of Gaza's buildings are destroyed and citing UNICEF data indicating more deaths than in all recent conflicts combined. Brauman emphasizes the high civilian toll, with Israeli army figures showing at least 85% of victims are civilians, alongside significant casualties among journalists, medical staff, and humanitarian workers. He characterizes the Israeli state as increasingly fascist and supremacist, aiming to terrorize Palestinians into accepting they have no future in the territory. Furthermore, Brauman criticizes Western governments for their double standards, contrasting heavy sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine with the explicit consent given to Israel's operations in Gaza. He rejects the narrative of self-defense, arguing that Israel remains an occupying power and that its response constitutes a genocidal war supported by Western leaders, thereby validating Israeli propaganda while ignoring the realities of occupation and colonization.

1 reports · 1 sources

British singer Olly Murs emotionally completed his five-day 'Into The Unknown' challenge for Soccer Aid, crossing the finish line at London Stadium after covering 249 miles through running, cycling, and rowing from Manchester to London. The 42-year-old raised £832,003 for UNICEF, surpassing his initial expectations and marking the organization's 20th anniversary. Murs described the final leg of the journey as painful but rewarding, thanking donors for their support which he credited for keeping him motivated. The challenge faced difficulties, including torrential rain and route changes due to a fire. Following this achievement, Murs is scheduled to play for Team England in the upcoming Soccer Aid match on May 31 alongside celebrities like Tom Hiddleston and Wayne Rooney. A documentary chronicling his endurance feat will air on ITV later in May. Murs emphasized the global impact of the funds on children's lives, particularly those displaced by conflict, following his recent visit to a UNICEF hub in Romania.

1 reports · 1 sources

On May 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a War Powers Resolution aimed at ending President Trump's military attacks on Iran, marking the third failed attempt by Democrats to curb executive war powers. Tensions remain high as the CENTCOM commander denied civilian casualties in Iran, while Iran's Foreign Minister urged BRICS nations to unite against U.S. actions. Internationally, President Trump left China without reaching agreements on Taiwan or the Strait of Hormuz. In other developments, the CIA Chief visited Havana amid Cuba's fuel crisis caused by U.S. blockades. Violence continued in the Middle East and Europe, with UNICEF reporting significant child casualties in Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire, and a Russian missile strike killing 24 in Kyiv. Domestically, the Supreme Court preserved access to abortion medication Mifepristone, while Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks resigned abruptly. Additionally, Boeing agreed to a nearly $50 million settlement with the family of a 737 MAX crash victim, and Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip was freed on bond after thirty years.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Turkish Ministry of National Education has published a new series of "Enriched Teaching Activities Books" designed for secondary education students. Developed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Secondary Education and the General Directorate of Special Education and Guidance Services, and supported by UNICEF, these resources align with the student-centered approach of the Türkiye Century Education Model. The initiative aims to enhance students' thinking skills, foster active participation, and accommodate individual learning differences through inclusive and flexible classroom practices. The project includes 17 activity books covering subjects such as Turkish language, mathematics, sciences, and English for 9th and 10th graders, alongside four comprehensive guidebooks for educators. These guides offer strategies for differentiated instruction, enrichment practices, and evaluation tools. The materials are now accessible to teachers via the "Administrator and Teacher Library" section on the OGM Material digital platform. This effort marks a shift from remedial-focused teaching to a more qualified, interest-based educational approach that supports each student's unique potential and progress.

1 reports · 1 sources

Pop icon Robbie Williams is set to perform at the half-time show of the upcoming Soccer Aid match, marking the event's 20th anniversary. The charity football game, co-founded by Williams, will take place on May 31 at the London Stadium to raise funds for UNICEF. Since its inception, Soccer Aid has generated over £121 million to support children's welfare globally, providing essential services like clean water and vaccinations. Williams, a UK ambassador for UNICEF and former Take That member, recently achieved a historic milestone by securing his 16th number-one album in the UK charts. The match will feature a contest between England and a World XI, boasting a star-studded lineup of celebrities and athletes. Participants include actor Tom Hiddleston, former footballer Wayne Rooney, Olympian Usain Bolt, and singer Olly Murs, who completed a grueling 249-mile challenge to qualify. Other notable figures such as Damson Idris, Joe Marler, and Paddy McGuinness will also take the pitch. While specific details of Williams' performance repertoire remain undisclosed, the event promises to be a significant celebration of two decades of charitable impact through sports and entertainment.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Argentine Ministry of National Security has announced that approximately 13,000 individuals identified as delinquent food debtors will be prohibited from attending the upcoming World Cup in the United States. Minister Alejandra Monteoliva confirmed that the list of names has been shared with US authorities to prevent these individuals from entering the country or the event venues. This measure targets parents and guardians who fail to meet their legal child support obligations, a significant issue highlighted by UNICEF reports indicating that 56% of women in Argentina do not receive mandated food quotas for their children. In total, 34,000 Argentines are affected by various restrictions related to this registry. The policy builds upon earlier initiatives implemented in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, where delinquent debtors were already banned from local soccer stadiums, including during recent matches at Más Monumental and La Bombonera. The government aims to establish clear consequences for non-compliance with parental duties, restricting leisure activities for those who default on their responsibilities. This enforcement marks a significant escalation from local stadium bans to international travel restrictions tied to major sporting events.

1 reports · 1 sources

The United Nations has reported that approximately 19.5 million people in Sudan are facing severe food insecurity, with over 825,000 children at heightened risk of death from malnutrition in 2026. This crisis is driven by ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (HDK), which has entered its fourth year. The joint report by the FAO, WFP, and UNICEF highlights that 135,000 individuals in Darfur and South Kurdufan face catastrophic hunger levels. Additionally, around 9 million people are internally displaced, often lacking access to humanitarian aid. The destruction of infrastructure has rendered 40 percent of health facilities dysfunctional, while millions lack safe water and sanitation, leading to disease outbreaks that exacerbate malnutrition. Despite the urgent needs, only 20 percent of the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan was funded by April, resulting in critically inadequate aid delivery. The situation is expected to worsen during the famine period between June and September, marking one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services continues to prioritize family-oriented social services, ensuring children under state protection grow up in nurturing family environments rather than institutions. In observance of National Family Week, the Ministry highlighted its foster care and adoption initiatives. Since 2002, over 10,900 children have been placed with more than 9,100 foster families, a program strengthened by the 'Heart Ambassadors Project' launched in 2012. Additionally, 21,031 children have benefited from adoption services, with 681 new adoptions finalized this year. The Ministry also introduced a 'temporary foster family service' in cooperation with UNICEF and the European Union Delegation to support children awaiting permanent solutions or family reunification. This temporary model is currently active in numerous provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, having assisted 246 children to date. The initiative aims to provide immediate, compassionate care while legal and social assessments are conducted, reflecting the state's commitment to the psychosocial well-being of vulnerable children through collaborative responsibility between the government and private families.

1 reports · 1 sources

UNICEF has reported that at least 200 children have been killed in Lebanon since March 2, when Israeli military attacks commenced as part of a broader conflict involving the United States and Iran. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached on April 17, violence has persisted, resulting in an additional 23 child deaths and 93 injuries. This brings the total number of injured children to 806, averaging nearly 14 casualties per day. Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF's regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted the severe psychological trauma affecting approximately 770,000 children, who face anxiety, displacement, and a lack of mental health support. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health stated that the overall conflict toll has reached 2,882 deaths and 8,768 wounded. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with Israeli and Lebanese representatives engaging in peace negotiations mediated by the United States in Washington. UNICEF warns that humanitarian resources are insufficient to meet the escalating needs of affected children, urging immediate psychosocial support to prevent long-term mental health consequences.

1 reports · 1 sources

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Imo State Government and supported by the Gates Foundation, has launched a strategic initiative to enhance maternal and child nutrition in Imo State, Nigeria. This development was announced during a meeting in Owerri involving the State Ministry of Health, the Imo Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and UNICEF representatives. The primary objectives include reviewing and validating the Nutrition Social Behaviour Change (SBC) strategy and integrating Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women. Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, UNICEF’s Chief of Enugu Field Office, highlighted MMS as a cost-effective intervention to reduce anemia, low birth weight, and stillbirths. She urged increased domestic investment in the Child Nutrition Fund to ensure sustainability. Dr. Chioma Egu, the Commissioner for Health, emphasized that the SBC strategy aims to empower families to make healthier nutrition choices throughout life stages, from pregnancy to adulthood. The state government, represented by Commissioner Anslem Anyanwu, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the program through policy support and resource mobilization. The initiative seeks to improve health outcomes for women and children across both rural and urban communities in Imo State.

1 reports · 1 sources

This editorial highlights Nigeria's severe crisis of out-of-school children, citing UNICEF data that identifies 18.3 million affected individuals, the highest figure globally. The states of Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina bear nearly 30% of this burden. The article argues that this educational neglect has evolved into a national security emergency, as uneducated youth are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist groups and criminal networks. Recent incidents, including the arrest of a teenager involved in terrorism and suicide bombings in Maiduguri, illustrate the deadly consequences of this failure. The author criticizes Nigerian political leaders for hypocrisy, noting that while their own children attend elite schools abroad, public education infrastructure remains dilapidated. The piece contrasts Nigeria's inaction with successful educational models in countries like India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, emphasizing that political will and investment can reduce illiteracy. It condemns ineffective government responses, such as questionable amnesty deals for bandits, and urges urgent, sustained attention to restore schooling. The editorial posits that ignoring this issue allows insecurity to metastasize, turning neglected children into future existential threats to society.

1 reports · 1 sources

UNICEF reported that at least 200 children have been killed and 806 injured in Lebanon due to ongoing Israeli attacks since March 2, 2026. Despite a ceasefire agreement effective from April 17, violence has persisted, with 59 children killed or injured in the past week alone. The UN agency highlighted that approximately 770,000 children are suffering from heightened distress due to repeated exposure to violence, displacement, and loss. Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, warned of severe long-term mental health consequences for these children due to inadequate psychosocial support. Lebanese officials state that overall casualties since March exceed 2,896 deaths and 8,824 injuries, with over 1.6 million people displaced. The Israeli army continues daily strikes and exchanges of fire with Hezbollah, violating the ceasefire extended until May 17. UNICEF urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and protect children, emphasizing that the reality on the ground contradicts the agreed-upon silence of weapons.

1 reports · 1 sources