The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern over the rising number of child casualties amid the ongoing military escalation in Iran. According to UNICEF, approximately 180 children have reportedly been killed, while many others have been injured during recent attacks and clashes.

In a statement issued by UNICEF’s Middle East and North Africa regional office, the organization said that children are bearing the heaviest burden of war and violence. The statement noted that on February 28, an attack on the Shajra Tayyiba Girls Elementary School in Minab, located in southern Iran, resulted in the deaths of 168 schoolgirls, most of whom were between the ages of 7 and 12.

The statement further said that an additional 12 children were reportedly killed in attacks on schools in different areas of Iran. UNICEF emphasized that these tragic incidents serve as a painful reminder that the consequences of war and violence can affect families and societies for generations.

UNICEF has called on all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians, particularly children and educational institutions. The organization stressed that schools must remain safe places for children and should never be targeted in attacks.

According to UNICEF, the ongoing military operations in the region pose serious threats to children’s lives, education, and health, and the international community must take urgent action to prevent further humanitarian loss.