Despite signs of de-escalation in regional tensions and a potential US-Iran agreement, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains precarious. A recent report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates that while conflict intensity has decreased, displacement continues cautiously. Between June 12-14, Israeli airstrikes and seven new displacement orders affecting 37 localities led to further displacement in the southern and Nabatieh regions. Since March 2, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports 3,798 deaths and 11,781 injuries, with 131,200 individuals sheltered in 644 collective sites. While aid has reached over 1.1 million people, the 2026 Lebanon Flash Appeal is only 32.7% funded.
Devastating Impact on Children
Since the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, UNICEF has recorded 247 children killed and 992 injured. This translates to an average of 12 children dying or being injured daily. UNICEF Lebanon Country Representative, Marcoluigi Corsi, stated that children are enduring experiences they should not have to, even after the announcement of a US-Iran agreement. He emphasized that violence has not ceased and continues to affect children.
Escalating Violations and Security Concerns
The UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, continues to observe increased movement and Israeli military activities. Reports include extensive armored vehicle movements, logistical traffic, and engineering works by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The Lebanese airspace has reportedly been violated 26 times by the Israeli military, with one airstrike conducted. UNIFIL recorded 312 movements on Wednesday, with 291 attributed to the IDF and 21 to Hezbollah. Areas outside UNIFIL’s operational zone, including Nabatieh, Saida, and Jezzine, have reportedly been targeted by Israeli artillery and airstrikes.
Maritime Security and Humanitarian Crisis
UNIFIL has also reported violations of Lebanese maritime areas, with two IDF vessels patrolling approximately 600 meters off the coast of Naqoura. UNIFIL is working with the Lebanese Navy to secure its territorial waters, with Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara noting the interconnectedness of maritime and land security for long-term stability.
Children’s Questions and Uncertain Futures
Widespread destruction has damaged homes, schools, and essential services like water, sanitation, and hygiene systems across the country. Corsi recounted meeting a young girl in a UNICEF-supported hospital who lost her father and three brothers in an attack, with her mother surviving but the girl in a coma. The girl’s questions upon recovery—”Where is humanity? Where is the sense of justice?”—are difficult to answer. Over 770,000 children are experiencing increased distress due to violence, loss, and displacement. A generation of children has had their childhoods interrupted, with their sense of security profoundly shaken. Corsi called for protecting children from further harm, safeguarding schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure, ensuring humanitarian access, and respecting international law. He stressed that Lebanese children deserve a chance to recover from this crisis and reclaim a future threatened by conflict.
