War has displaced 20% of Lebanon s population in three weeks, says UNICEF

The ongoing war has forced 20% of Lebanon's population to leave their homes in just three weeks. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that around 19,000 children are displaced daily. Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF's representative in Lebanon, spoke to CNN on Monday about the obstacles in reaching these children, especially those in southern Lebanon. “Some children are stuck in areas that are very hard to access, particularly after airstrikes have destroyed several bridges,” he explained. The Israeli military has targeted multiple bridges over the Litani River, which runs through Lebanon, as part of its military operations in the south. Another issue is providing help to children now living in temporary shelters. Many of these children have been displaced multiple times and are suffering from trauma, according to Corsi. UNICEF and other organizations are striving to offer essential services, including vaccinations for young kids, medical assistance, and basic learning spaces, as schools remain closed. In some regions of Lebanon, airstrikes have also disrupted access to clean water, damaging reservoirs and pumping stations. Additionally, hospitals, bridges, and sanitation systems have suffered significant damage or destruction.