UNICEF Reports Almost 200 Children Killed In Attacks As Hostilities Escalate In West Asia Conflict

Last Updated:March 06, 2026, 16:12 IST

In a statement, UNICEF declared that nearly 200 children have been killed across the Middle East since the US and Israeli military strikes against Iran began over the weekend.

Nearly 200 children have been killed across the Middle East since US and Israeli military strikes against Iran began over the weekend, the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF said on Thursday.

At least 181 of those deaths were recorded in Iran, seven in Lebanon, three in Israel and one in Kuwait, UNICEF said in a statement issued from Amman on March 5.

The deadliest single incident was a strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, in southern Iran, on February 28, while classes were in session. At least 168 schoolgirls were killed, most of them between 7 and 12 years old, according to UNICEF. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps placed that toll at 175. Twelve more children were killed in separate attacks on schools across five other locations in Iran.

“These child casualties are a stark reminder of the brutality of war and violence on children, which impacts families and communities for generations," UNICEF said.

The agency added that at least 20 schools and 10 hospitals have been damaged in Iran since the escalation began, cutting off children’s access to education and basic health services.

“Children do not start wars, but they pay an unacceptably high price," UNICEF said, urging all parties to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.

UNICEF said it is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to support humanitarian efforts for children and families affected by the ongoing violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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