The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has escalated its diplomatic push against Iran, formally petitioning the UNICEF to publicly condemn what it described as sustained attacks on civilians, particularly children.
In a letter dated March 23, 2026, Israel’s Deputy Director General for UN and International Organizations, Nina Ben-Ami, urged UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell to take a clear stance over what she called indiscriminate missile strikes involving prohibited weapons.
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“I am writing to request your immediate attention and unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing, indiscriminate ballistic missile attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the civilian population of Israel, involving the illegal use of cluster munitions,” the letter stated.
Framing the appeal around child welfare, Israel said minors have borne a significant toll in the reported attacks. “The primary victims of this aggression are innocent civilians and children,” Ben-Ami said.
The communication outlined multiple incidents cited as evidence, including a March 21 strike on Rishon LeZion, where “an Iranian ballistic missile equipped with cluster munitions struck the city, scattering submunitions across 11 different locations, including a kindergarten and daycare complex which was fortunately empty at the time.”
Another incident referenced occurred the same day in Arad, where “a missile carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives struck a densely populated residential neighborhood… resulting in a mass casualty event in which over 115 civilians were evacuated to a Soroka Medical Center.” Among the casualties were “18 children and infants, including a 5-year-old girl, in highly critical condition and four other children… fighting for their lives.”
The letter further cited strikes in Dimona, where a barrage reportedly hit 12 locations, causing “a residential building to partially collapse, injuring approximately 60 civilians, including a 12-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy who sustained severe shrapnel injuries.”
Additional incidents were listed in Eilat and Beersheba, including a March 1 attack in Beit Shemesh where “a devastating Iranian missile strike on a Beit Shemesh residential shelter murdered nine civilians, and injured over 50,” including teenagers.
Beyond physical harm, Israel also raised concerns over the psychological toll on children, noting that “thousands of Israeli children are currently receiving psychological care at national resilience centers and hospitals for severe anxiety caused by explosions and prolonged confinement in bomb shelters.”
Calling for urgent international action, Ben-Ami emphasised UNICEF’s mandate in protecting children globally. “As the global body mandated to protect the rights and well-being of children, I would like to raise this issue with UNICEF so that these severe violations are recognized and addressed globally.”
“I urge UNICEF to issue an immediate and explicit public condemnation of the Islamic Republic of Iran for these atrocities, and stand unequivocally in defense of Israeli children,” she added.