The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs announced that one-quarter of Lebanese territory has been ordered by Israel to evacuate, highlighting the expansion of Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
The office stated that “the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is dangerously deteriorating,” noting that “Israeli airstrikes have not only intensified but have also expanded to previously unaffected areas, increasingly targeting essential civilian infrastructure.”
It was mentioned that “evacuation orders issued for more than 100 villages and urban districts in southern Lebanon continue to force people to flee, and now a quarter of Lebanese land is under these Israeli military displacement orders.”
The office added, “The health sector in Lebanon is under tremendous pressure from continuous attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. Similarly, the education sector faces significant challenges, as most public schools are now being used as collective shelters.”
The office also reported:
• 2,083 people have been killed and 9,869 injured.
• 608,509 people are internally displaced.
• 180,700 people are seeking shelter.
• 350,000 children have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
The recent security situation in Lebanon has significantly deteriorated due to escalated Israeli military actions. The conflict has led to widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. Since late September 2024, more than a thousand Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed hundreds and injured thousands. These attacks have heavily targeted civilian infrastructure, leading to massive displacements and a strain on both health and educational sectors.
In response to the attacks, global leaders have called for a ceasefire. US President Joe Biden has emphasized the need for a halt in hostilities, and the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has also urged restraint to prevent further escalation
This ongoing conflict follows a series of tense events, including the assassination of Hezbollah’s leader by Israeli forces, which has only intensified the situation. The U.S. has responded by increasing its military presence in the region, although concerns remain about the potential for an expanded military campaign
