July 1, 2026, Tokyo Millions of children living in the Middle East are exposed to physical danger and psychological distress due to ongoing military attacks and violence that have continued for over 100 days. The Japanese government has decided to provide US$1.5 million in emergency grant aid to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to address the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Palestine. This funding will enable UNICEF to deliver emergency assistance, focusing on water and sanitation, to the most vulnerable populations, including children. In Lebanon, since March 2, when military clashes intensified again, over 1,200 children have lost their lives or been injured. Furthermore, more than 770,000 children have been repeatedly exposed to violence, loss, and displacement, with many unable to return to their homes due to the dangers of combat and unexploded ordnance. Access to basic services is limited, and particularly concerning are safe water and sanitation, which have been severely impacted by damaged infrastructure, a surge in demand, and reduced operational capacity of water facilities. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, March 2026 became the month with the highest number of Palestinians injured in settler attacks in the past 20 years. Amidst ongoing destruction of buildings, children are facing restricted access to all essential services. With a prolonged period of political and economic instability, coupled with pre-existing issues of aging water and sanitation facilities and vulnerable facility management, the influx of displaced persons and destruction of infrastructure have further exacerbated the critical situation regarding access to safe water and sanitation. This funding from the Japanese government will be used to secure safe water and adequate sanitation facilities, which are essential for protecting the health, dignity, and resilience of children amidst the humanitarian crisis, aligning with the government's concept of "Human Security and Dignit