Hostilities affect 12 other countries in the Middle East and a UN emphasis on the necessity of protecting civilians and returning to negotiations

The High Commissioner called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prevent further escalation, and take all possible measures to protect civilians, including foreign nationals, as well as critical infrastructure. He stressed that returning to the negotiating table is the only way to put an end to the killing, destruction and despair.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Tuesday, Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for… The High Commissioner said that the fear, panic and anxiety felt by millions in the Middle East and beyond is clearly visible – and could have been completely avoided. “The situation is getting worse and worse hour by hour, as our worst fears are coming true.”

A call for an investigation into an attack on a girls’ school

So far, in addition to Iran and Israel, hostilities have affected 12 other countries, destroying or damaging homes, offices, businesses, airports, energy infrastructure, as well as other civilian infrastructure, according to the High Commissioner.

In Iran, the Iranian Red Crescent Society reports the civilian death toll at 787. “In the bloodiest and most devastating incident, dozens of girls were killed and injured when their primary school in Minab, in the south of the country, was bombed during the school day.”

The High Commissioner called for a prompt, impartial and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the attack, noting that “the responsibility for investigating the attack lies with the forces that carried it out. We call on them to publish the results of the investigation and ensure accountability and compensation for the victims.”

The High Commissioner said that the Iranian military responded to the US and Israeli attacks by deploying hundreds of missiles and drones, as well as other weapons systems, against countries in the region, killing civilians and causing damage to civilian infrastructure. In the city of Beit Shemesh in central Israel, nine people were killed when a missile hit a residential area.

The situation in Lebanon

The High Commissioner expressed deep concern about the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon after Hezbollah fired a barrage of projectiles at Israel, and the severe counter-strikes launched by Israel, including in Beirut. He urged both parties to immediately end this major escalation of violence and return to the agreed-upon ceasefire.

There are reports of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, in addition to a significant renewal of displacement as a result of Israeli strikes in the south of the country and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Information received indicates that about 30,000 residents fled the affected areas during the night, in addition to 64,000 who were previously displaced.

The High Commissioner said that international humanitarian law stipulates that “Any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction and proportionality, and take precautions to protect civilians. Attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks, are grave violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.”

Serious consequences for children

In a related context, UNICEF expressed grave concern about the military escalation in the Middle East, and warned that children are the first and most to suffer in conflicts. The organization stressed in a statement the need to avoid sliding into a deeper conflict at all costs, as “it is undoubtedly a disaster for the children of the region.”

Since the conflict began on Saturday, the organization has received reports of children being killed and injured in Iran, Israel and Lebanon as hostilities escalate. She explained that, according to reports, the number of dead and wounded in Lebanon has reached 7 children since Monday.

UNICEF warned that continued rocket fire and airstrikes put children in immediate danger, forced families to take refuge in shelters, and disrupted access to schools and basic services.

UNICEF noted, “Every new escalation widens the circle of damage. Residential areas, schools, and vital infrastructure are affected. Hospitals are under pressure or being bombed. Children who have already suffered months of instability are now facing new shock, fear, and displacement.”

Supply chain disruption

According to UNICEF, military escalation in the Middle East is severely disrupting vital supply lines, impacting our ability to provide assistance to children in need.

The organization said it is working with its partners to identify alternative routes, maintain continuity of supply chain operations, and prevent stock-outs, while continuing to deliver life-saving supplies to meet the most urgent needs of the most vulnerable children.

UNICEF reiterated the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation, and called on all parties to return to the negotiating table, warning that failure to do so heralds the outbreak of a broader regional conflict, with dire consequences for civilians and regional stability.

Damage to the entrance to Natanz station

On the other hand, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed – based on the latest available satellite images – that there was some damage to the entrance buildings of the Iranian Natanz underground nuclear fuel enrichment plant.

The agency explained in a tweet on the X website that “no radioactive effects are expected, and no additional impact was detected at the station itself, which was severely damaged during the June conflict.”

This news will be updated as soon as new information is received.