UNICEF: 11 Children Killed or Injured Every Day in Lebanon

An average of 11 children were killed or injured every day in Lebanon over the past week, UNICEF said, as Israel expanded its attacks in the country despite a ceasefire being in place.

The agency reported that 77 children were killed or injured in seven days. Since the ceasefire began in April, 55 children have been killed and 212 others injured.

Israel carried out widespread strikes on cities and towns in southern Lebanon on Thursday night after declaring a new part of the territory a "combat zone". It also struck a building in a suburb of southern Beirut on Thursday.

UNICEF spokesman Ricardo Pires described the figures as "appalling". The ceasefire announced by Washington on 16 April was intended to end the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

(reuters, lud)