The ongoing conflict in Lebanon is making it increasingly difficult to achieve a cease-fire, according to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). In a statement on Sunday, Lazzarini expressed deep concern about the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon due to the war.
“Just back from Lebanon, I have seen firsthand the fear and anxiety people are living with,” Lazzarini said on X (formerly Twitter). “Hundreds of thousands, mostly women and children, have fled their homes in search of safety.”
UNRWA teams are working around the clock to provide essential support, including psychological help for children who are bearing the brunt of the conflict. However, Lazzarini warned that the expansion of the war into Lebanon is a significant barrier to securing a cease-fire, which is critical for protecting civilians across the region.
He called on global leaders to “show courage” and act to stop the growing human tragedy.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri over the weekend to discuss efforts to end Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA).
Israel has been carrying out large-scale airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting what it says are Hezbollah positions. Since the escalation began on September 23, these strikes have resulted in at least 1,437 deaths, over 4,123 injuries, and the displacement of more than 1.34 million people in Lebanon.
This comes on the heels of Israel’s broader offensive in Gaza, which has claimed more than 42,200 lives, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack last year.
Despite international warnings of a potential regional war, the conflict intensified further when Israel launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon on October 1.
