Beirut, February 28 (QNA) – A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that the recent Israeli war on Lebanon has caused catastrophic damage to children’s lives, with effects still resonating even after the ceasefire took effect in November.

The report stated that the war forced children to flee their homes and caused significant damage to facilities providing essential services, leading to physical and psychological suffering for children across Lebanon.

UNICEF’s representative in Lebanon, Akil Ayar, said that the war has left a shocking impact on children, affecting all aspects of their lives, health, education, and entire future. Lebanese children urgently need support to recover, rebuild their lives, and overcome the long-term repercussions of this crisis.

The report added that a survey conducted by UNICEF in January revealed that 72% of caregivers reported their children experiencing anxiety or stress during the war, while 62% said their children were extremely sad or depressed, representing a significant increase compared to pre-war data in 2023.

The survey highlighted a concerning picture of child nutrition, particularly in densely populated areas such as Baalbek-Hermel and Bekaa, which were subjected to repeated airstrikes. In Baalbek-Hermel, 51% of children under two suffer from severe malnutrition, and in Bekaa, the rate is 45%, up from 28% in 2023.