UN says conflict in Lebanon causing significant humanitarian suffering
23 Mar 202622:38 PM
UN says conflict in Lebanon causing significant humanitarian suffering
Al Jazeera
The United Nations says it is closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon and that the escalating conflict there between Israel and Hezbollah is inflicting great suffering on civilians.

“We’re deeply concerned about the continuing attacks on healthcare, including health workers, health facilities and ambulances,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“As of today, the WHO reports 64 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 51 deaths and 91 injuries, further straining an already fragile health system.”

Dujarric said that more and more Lebanese are being displaced as a result.

“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that more than 1.2 million people, or around one in every five residents, have been forced to flee their homes, more than 130,000 people, including some 46,000 children, are currently sheltering in more than 600 collective sites nationwide, most of which are already at full capacity,” he said.

These numbers are likely to rise further as “hostilities intensify, with Israeli authorities announcing plans to escalate ground operations along the blue line,” said Dujarric.