The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued an urgent call in light of the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, pointing out that the ongoing hostilities are having an intolerable impact on the civilian population. In its latest update, OCHA highlighted the urgent need for all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law, thus ensuring the protection of civilians and their property, including homes and vital infrastructure.
Among the humanitarian efforts on the ground, a convoy managed to deliver essential supplies, such as ready-to-eat meals and hygiene kits, to displaced people in the southern part of the country. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has also transported medicine and fuel to the Tyre area, in a two-way effort to alleviate the dire situation faced by civilians.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that, in just six weeks, around 510,000 people have found refuge in Syria. A significant portion of these refugees are Syrians returning to communities that have been severely affected by years of conflict.
In an already tense environment, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported damage to its facilities inflicted by the Israeli army. This damage included the destruction of a fence and a concrete structure, actions that UNIFIL states constitute a clear violation of international law and UN Security Council resolution 1701.
The situation is further exacerbated by the removal of barrels marking the Blue Line, the border established by the UN between Lebanon and Israel. Despite demands from the Israeli army for peacekeepers to withdraw from their positions, UNIFIL has reaffirmed its commitment to continue monitoring the situation and fulfilling its responsibilities, as stipulated by UN Security Council resolution 1701.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
