Millions of children plunged into crisis by middle east war

Millions of children across the Middle East have been plunged into crisis by the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran, with reports of child soldiers, mass forced displacements and scores of child fatalities.

Child soldiers, mass displacement and death

According to the UN agency for children, Unicef, more than 340 children have been killed and thousands injured since the US and Israel launched their attacks on Iran, which has retaliated with bombings across the region.

The highest reported child casualty event occurred on the first day of the war when a US missile strike on a school in Iran killed at least 160 children and teachers. Israel's invasion of Lebanon and continued attacks in occupied territories have compounded the bloodshed.

Across the region, more than 1.2 million children have been displaced, with nearly 400,000 forced to flee their homes in Lebanon alone. In Gaza, at least 50 Palestinians, including children, have been killed by Israeli forces since the Iran conflict began.

Education under fire

Relentless attacks have destroyed and damaged schools, hospitals and infrastructure, disrupting education for at least 52 million school-age children. In Lebanon, 364 public schools are now serving as collective shelters for displaced families.

Save the Children warned that prolonged exposure to violence and instability can have lasting impacts on brain development and long-term mental health in children.

A psychological toll

Prolonged exposure to trauma is known to affect children's emotional regulation and mental health. With schools closed and families on the move, children are living in fear and are at risk of developing deep-seated psychological scars.

As the war drags on, the psychological impact on children will only intensify, with experts warning of long-term emotional harm and lasting effects on brain development.