Nearly 200 children have been killed across the Middle East following the recent escalation involving the United States and Israel against Iran, according to UNICEF.
The UN agency said at least 181 children were killed in Iran, seven in Lebanon, three in Israel and one in Kuwait.
UNICEF stressed that children are often the most vulnerable victims during armed conflicts. “Children do not start wars, but they pay an unacceptably high price,” the agency said, noting that the ongoing military escalation has already caused severe harm to young lives.
The organisation said the deaths highlight the urgent need for de-escalation and stronger humanitarian protections. It warned that beyond direct fatalities, children are also facing displacement, psychological trauma and the loss of family members.
As the conflict continues to raise global concern and deepen the humanitarian crisis, UNICEF called on all parties involved to prioritise the safety of children and ensure uninterrupted access to essential services. The agency reiterated that safeguarding children must remain central to any response to the ongoing violence.
On February 28, armies of both Israel and the United States jointly carried out coordinated air and missile strikes inside Iran. Israel dubbed the offensive Operation Lion’s Roar, while Washington called its role Operation Epic Fury.
The strikes targeted military bases, nuclear-linked facilities and senior leadership sites, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the assault.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, triggering air raid sirens in major cities, and also targeted US military installations and allied infrastructure across the Gulf. Iranian strikes were reported on ports, airfields and commercial facilities in countries such as Oman.
The escalation has drawn sharp international concern. A United Nations fact-finding mission said both the US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory attacks violated the UN Charter, highlighting significant civilian casualties.
What began as years of proxy tensions has now turned into direct military confrontation, widening the conflict across the region, involving Gulf states and raising fears over energy security and adherence to international law.
Khamenei’s killing has drawn widespread global responses, with reactions ranging from condemnation and calls for peace to protests and political statements. Major world powers like Russia strongly condemned the strikes, with President Vladimir Putin describing the killing as a “cynical violation” of international norms and unjustified aggression. China also criticised the attack, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and respect for national sovereignty. Many European leaders, including those from the European Union, urged a return to diplomatic talks and cautioned against further escalation, describing the situation as deeply uncertain.
Muslim groups and organisations labelled the killing a war crime and called for intervention to prevent broader conflict. Protests erupted in countries such as Pakistan and India with demonstrators condemning the attack.
In areas of Srinagar and parts of central Kashmir, groups of mourners gathered to offer prayers and express solidarity with Iran. Religious leaders condemned the strike, describing it as an attack on Muslim leadership and a violation of international norms. Black flags were raised in some Shia-dominated localities, and small processions were reported, with participants raising slogans against the United States and Israel.
Authorities maintained a close watch in sensitive areas to prevent escalation. Police deployment was increased in parts of Srinagar’s downtown and in Budgam district, which has a sizeable Shia population. Officials urged restraint and appealed to community leaders to ensure that protests remained peaceful.
Mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir reacted cautiously, with some leaders calling for de-escalation and dialogue while avoiding direct alignment with either side. Security agencies monitored social media for inflammatory content to prevent unrest.
Overall, while emotions ran high in certain pockets, the situation largely remained under control, with no major incidents of violence reported.
