The Regional Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Adele Khodr, stated that any escalation of violence in the Middle East would have severe humanitarian consequences for children, putting their lives and well-being at risk, and would have “long-term impacts on the prospects for peace and stability” in the region.

In a statement issued today, Thursday, Ms. Khodr called for an immediate de-escalation to protect children’s lives and well-being, stating that “the alternative is unimaginable.”

She emphasized that children in many Middle Eastern countries are facing harsher realities today than ever before, as waves of violence and attacks have spread in recent months, “resulting in devastating losses of children’s lives.”

She added, “With almost every report of an attack, there is news of children among the casualties. In less than a year, thousands of children have been killed across Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and the occupied Golan Heights.”

The Regional Director also noted the numerous injuries that have left permanent scars on children’s bodies, “causing immeasurable damage to their mental health,” and the displacement of many who have lost their homes, living in a “state of constant uncertainty and fear.”

Ms. Khodr reiterated UNICEF’s call for all parties to exercise the highest degree of restraint and to protect civilians and vital services they rely on for survival, in accordance with their responsibilities under international humanitarian law. She said, “Children have the right to protection from violence and this should always be upheld.”

She affirmed that the children of the region urgently need peace and security, “the opportunity to live with dignity and without deprivation and fear, starting with de-escalation, reaching a lasting political solution, and promising a brighter future.”