Deputy Representative Ettie Higgins of UNICEF in Lebanon reported that the number of children unable to attend school in the country has reached half a million.

Ettie Higgins, Deputy Representative of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Lebanon, made assessments on the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and the events during this period.

Sharing data from UNICEF’s latest report, Higgins noted that children in Lebanon under Israeli attacks are experiencing significant issues and trauma, highlighting that children in densely populated areas like Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley continue to struggle to access sufficient food despite being repeatedly targeted by air raids. Higgins stated, “More than half of children under the age of 2 living in eastern regions of Lebanon are experiencing severe food poverty. This is more than double compared to a year ago.”

Reporting that over 310 children have been killed since the ceasefire was declared in Lebanon in November 2024, Higgins also mentioned that more than 1500 people have been injured. Higgins pointed out, “The conflicts in Lebanon, along with years of economic hardship, teacher strikes, and the impact of COVID-19, have further worsened the country’s challenging education situation. Currently, the number of children unable to attend school has reached half a million.”