The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, condemned multiple strikes on Lebanon, stating they violated international humanitarian law, in a clear reference to Israel’s bombardment of large parts of Lebanon. According to the UNHCR’s official website, Grandi called for greater international support to halt the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Lebanon.
Two weeks of Israeli airstrikes have resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced more than a million people from their homes. Grandi is currently visiting Beirut to show solidarity with Lebanon and to galvanize additional support for those affected, both Lebanese and refugees. During his visit, he met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, senior officials, UN staff, humanitarian community members, and displaced families.
Grandi remarked, “Today, I witnessed the tragic impact of this war on entire communities. International humanitarian law must be respected and cannot be ignored. Families have been left homeless, stuck in the open air with traumatized children who don’t understand what’s happening. They all expressed their desperation for safety and for the airstrikes to stop so they can return to their towns and cities.”
He further emphasized, “It is morally imperative that we provide immediate assistance to those affected by these recent escalations. They should not bear the cost of the political failure to find solutions and end this destructive cycle of violence. At this critical moment, the world must come together to help Lebanon.”
Grandi also acknowledged Lebanon’s generosity in hosting numerous refugees over the years, particularly those fleeing from Syria, despite the nation’s immense challenges. He noted that these refugees are once again being forced to flee with minimal resources and no safe place to go.
After his visit to Lebanon, Grandi plans to travel to Syria, where he will meet with authorities and both Lebanese and Syrian refugees who have crossed the border.
