Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon: Over 600,000 Displaced
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with estimates revealing that over 1.2 million people have been displaced, according to the Lebanese government. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, highlighted that approximately 600,000 individuals are internally displaced. The dire situation has prompted calls for urgent action to address the humanitarian needs of those affected.
Plasschaert emphasized the necessity of implementing Security Council resolutions related to the Israeli-Lebanese conflict, particularly highlighting the failure to enforce Resolution 1701 over the past 18 years. This resolution aims to maintain peace along the Blue Line, the UN-defined boundary separating Lebanon from Israel and the occupied Golan Heights. The UN coordinator advocates for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts, reiterating the importance of the proposed 21-day ceasefire led by the United States and France.
Escalating Violence and International Response
The warnings from the UN come amidst escalating tensions, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently threatened Lebanon with destruction similar to that of Gaza. Netanyahu urged the Lebanese people to distance themselves from Hezbollah to prevent further conflict, stating, “You have a chance to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war.”
In response to the ongoing violence, Israel has issued numerous evacuation warnings to residents in southern suburbs of Beirut, citing proximity to Hezbollah facilities. Since the onset of the conflict on September 23, Israel has conducted extensive air strikes, resulting in significant casualties, with over 1,323 reported deaths and nearly 3,700 injuries, including many women and children. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as hundreds of thousands flee their homes, seeking safety from the relentless Israeli bombardment.
