Children Casualties Mount in West Asia Conflict, UNICEF Warns of Deepening Crisis

Kathmandu. As the escalating conflict in West Asia enters its fourth week, it has been reported that over 118 children have died in Lebanon and more than 200 in Kuwait. There is an apprehension that the number of affected people will rise as violence continues, based on the reported statistics. UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban commented that, on average, approximately 87 children have been killed or injured every day since the war began.

He called upon the concerned parties for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilian infrastructure, and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access. UNICEF has warned that if the prolonged violence continues, a deep crisis will emerge in West Asia. It is stated that the death of innocent children will weaken public trust and cause permanent damage to scientific capacity.

The United Nations has stated that nearly a month since the devastating war, the surge in the prices of oil, fuel, and gas is shaking the global economy and increasing its long-term impact.

It is reported that disruptions and closures in the Middle East's airspace, transportation, shipping routes, and major humanitarian border crossings are affecting the availability and price of essential goods and medicines, as well as humanitarian operations and commercial supply chains.

Attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz are endangering the distribution of essential supplies, raising food prices and risks. It is noted that developing countries in the Asian and African continents are most likely to be affected as markets are impacted, threatening food security.

It was emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict, and diplomatic measures, peaceful resolution, and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions are the path to resolving the crisis.