UN Warns Lebanon Could Experience Gaza-Like Crisis
The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating conflict in Lebanon, suggesting that the country could face a humanitarian crisis akin to that of Gaza. Matthew Hollingworth, the Lebanon country director for the World Food Programme, expressed his deep concerns during a press briefing in Geneva, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent a 'death spiral' similar to the one seen in Gaza over the past year.
Hollingworth, who has firsthand experience coordinating operations in Gaza during the ongoing conflict, noted that the psychological scars from the war are evident among the Lebanese population. Many are fleeing the violence, having witnessed the destruction of neighborhoods and the suffering of civilians in Gaza. He stated, "It's on my mind from the time I wake up until I go to sleep that we could be sliding into the same death spiral. We must not allow that to happen."
The UN has observed alarming similarities between the situations in Lebanon and Gaza, particularly regarding displacement, the impact on children, and the narratives used to downplay the severity of the crisis. UNICEF spokesman James Elder and Jeremy Laurence from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights echoed these sentiments, warning that the devastation in Lebanon mirrors the horrors faced in Gaza.
As humanitarian agencies strive to meet the growing needs of the Lebanese population, Hollingworth emphasized that military de-escalation is critical. Currently, the World Food Programme is assisting around 150,000 people daily but aims to reach one million, highlighting a significant funding deficit of $115 million needed to address the crisis adequately.
Attacks on Health Services in Lebanon
The health sector in Lebanon has also been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, with the World Health Organization reporting 16 attacks on health services since mid-September. These assaults have resulted in the deaths of 65 health workers and injuries to 40 others. Ian Clark from the WHO revealed that five hospitals are completely out of service, and about 100 health facilities have been forced to close, raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks due to reduced health services.
Since September 23, Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, expanding its campaign that began on October 7, 2023, against Gaza. This escalation has led to over 1,200 deaths and 3,400 injuries in Lebanon, with more than 1.2 million people displaced. The ongoing conflict has compounded the humanitarian crisis, mirroring the dire situation in Gaza, where over 139,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured over the past year amidst widespread destruction and famine.
The international community is urged to respond promptly to the escalating crisis in Lebanon to prevent a humanitarian disaster similar to that of Gaza.
