Quick Read
- The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that over 100 children have been killed in Israeli strikes.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly 800 total fatalities and 850,000 displaced individuals.
- An international humanitarian appeal for over $300 million has been launched to support Lebanon.
BEIRUT (Azat TV) – The Lebanese Health Ministry has reported a devastating toll in the ongoing conflict, stating that over 100 children have been killed as a result of Israeli strikes since the war began. The grim statistic underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, where nearly 800 people have been killed and approximately 850,000 displaced.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Lebanon
The conflict, which involves Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, has led to widespread destruction and displacement. The Lebanese Health Ministry’s figures indicate that in addition to the children killed, 62 women are among the total reported fatalities, with over 1,900 individuals wounded. The scale of displacement, affecting an estimated 850,000 people, has prompted urgent calls for international aid. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, following a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, launched a humanitarian appeal for over $300 million to support the beleaguered nation.
Calls for an End to Hostilities
Prime Minister Salam has urged an end to the Israeli strikes, criticizing Hezbollah’s rocket fire into Israel while emphasizing that “Lebanon did not choose this war.” He stated that there is no justification for holding an entire nation hostage. The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he met with Guterres to discuss the dire situation. Guterres highlighted Lebanon’s history of hosting refugees and stressed the global community’s responsibility to provide strong support during this period of grave danger and profound need.
Israeli Military Operations and Escalation
The Israeli military stated that its air force has conducted extensive operations, striking more than 7,600 sites in Iran and over 1,100 in Lebanon. These strikes have targeted what Israel describes as Iranian intelligence directorates, command centers, and missile production and storage facilities, some of which were reportedly occupied by senior Iranian officials. The intensified military actions occur against a backdrop of continued missile and drone attacks from Iran targeting Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
The stark reports of over 100 child fatalities tragically illustrate the devastating human cost of the escalating conflict, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation and robust humanitarian intervention.