Children across the middle east at immediate risk as regional violence undermines systems meant to protect them

The rising violence has been accompanied by a flagrant disregard of international humanitarian law which endangers the lives of millions. The law is clear: civilians and children are entitled to special protection in times of war. Children – and the places they live, learn, heal, and play - must never be targeted. Children and families must be able to access the humanitarian assistance they need. Where evacuation orders are necessary, they must prioritise children’s safety, provide clear information, allow sufficient time, and ensure safe routes and conditions.

Across many of the countries where War Child operates, the reality facing children tells a different story. Reports of grave violations against children underscore the severity of this crisis. While official figures are yet to be confirmed, there are deeply concerning reports of children killed in the violence. Explosions and debris from escalating violence in residential areas - across the occupied Palestinian territory, Lebanon, and Jordan - are killing and injuring children and their families, shattering homes and spreading fear far beyond the initial blast.

A staff member in the West Bank described the situation there: “Many shops are running out of basic items. There is no fuel, and schools are not operating. Every few hours, we hear alerts, and then we hear big explosions that shake the whole house. We do not have a safe room to run to. We try to manage our fear in front of our children, and help them calm down. Time moves so slowly here.”

With reports of school closures across Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, and southernSyria, and classrooms in Lebanon turned into shelters, children across the region are once again missing out on learning and losing the stability that schools provide in times of crisis.

Mass evacuation orders were also issued across southern Lebanon on 2 and 3 March, forcing nearly 30,000 people, including 9,000 children, to leave with little notice, uprooting children overnight. According to the Lebanese DRM Unit, there are more than 58,000 people displaced internally. In Syria, around 11,000 Syrian people have crossed the border from Lebanon in just 24 hours, fearing for their lives. As winter persists and the holy month of Ramadan begins, humanitarian needs for families on the move are rapidly increasing. Children and families urgently need food, a safe place to stay, and warm clothes.

In Gaza, children and families are still not getting the aid they urgently need. In the West Bank, movement restrictions and escalating insecurity, including threats of detention, harassment and violence at checkpoints affecting civilians and humanitarian workers alike, are further endangering daily life and delaying critical support to children and families.

Ceasefires have also failed to protect children. In the occupied Palestinian territory, more than 120 children have been killed since the ceasefire was agreed, and in Lebanon, more than 13 children were killed. Children and families are now facing even more violence, leaving them increasingly exposed to harm.

“We are deeply alarmed about the scale of ongoing violations facing children across the region,” said Flutra Gorana, Middle East Regional Director at War Child. “But it’s important to think about what violations mean to a child. It means lying awake at night wondering if tonight will be safe. It means learning the sound of airstrikes instead of being able to learn in school. Children don’t think in legal terms, they understand the world through whether it feels safe. And right now, it doesn’t. The fear they are living with today will not simply disappear; it will shape how they grow and how they remember this time in their lives.”

War Child calls for immediate de-escalation. We urge all parties to the conflict - and the governments that have influence over them - to:

• Follow international humanitarian law, including the basic rules to protect children and civilians and avoid harm.
• Put children first, protecting their right to life, safety, education, family unity and support to recover from trauma, including proper funding for child protection and mental health services.
• Stop grave violations against children, including killing and maiming, and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
• Stop using explosive weapons in populated areas, where children are most likely to be harmed.

War Child’s teams are mobilising across the region, with an immediate focus on Lebanon. We are ready to respond as soon as access and security conditions permit, while prioritising the safety of our staff and partners.

Spokespeople are available for interview.