UN Sounds Alarm over Lebanon’s Humanitarian Crisis As Civilian Casualties Soar in Israeli Strikes
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Lebanon is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as Israeli airstrikes escalate, killing hundreds and displacing nearly a million people, according to a stark warning from a top UN official.
The United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, expressed serious concerns over Lebanon’s deteriorating humanitarian situation, following widespread Israeli airstrikes.
In a statement on Monday, Riza highlighted Lebanon’s struggles, noting, "The current picture of life in Lebanon remains grim."
He cited reports of an airstrike in Mount Lebanon's village of Aalmat that killed 23 people, including seven children.
Riza also pointed to an attack on the city of Tyre that resulted in the deaths of five siblings with special needs.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli strikes over the past week have killed at least 241 people and injured 642 others across the country.
Riza noted that, over the past month, over 185,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, adding to a total of 870,000 internally displaced individuals.
The UN official underscored that many, including the elderly and those with health issues, remain behind, witnessing the devastation of their communities.
He emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and critical infrastructure, calling for adherence to international humanitarian law and an immediate end to the violence.
On Monday night, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli forces bombed a house in Bekaa’s town of Maydoun, killing three people and leveling the building.
Earlier, Israeli forces also targeted Ain Yaaqoub in the north, where at least 14 people were killed.
Further airstrikes struck electrical appliance stores in Tyre and hit towns like Shamshtar in eastern Baalbek and Roumine in southern Nabatieh, resulting in extensive damage and additional casualties.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported 54 deaths across the country on Monday alone, as Israel’s bombardments continued despite calls for a ceasefire from the UN Security Council.
The International Court of Justice has also issued directives, urging measures to prevent further harm and to mitigate the severe humanitarian impact in both Gaza and Lebanon.
Since the war began in October last year, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 3,243 deaths and 14,134 injuries in Lebanon, according to Lebanese health officials.