United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned of the collapse of Lebanon’s healthcare system due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. He highlighted that the UN’s Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jan Kubis, has been engaging with all parties, urging an immediate ceasefire and creating space for diplomatic initiatives. According to the UN News Center, Dujarric noted that intense Israeli strikes have continued throughout the week across the Blue Line, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, including areas in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
Dujarric also reported that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) observed heavy exchanges of fire and that Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions targeted multiple areas across the Blue Line. Due to security concerns, UNIFIL personnel were forced to take shelter in bunkers.
From a humanitarian perspective, Dujarric expressed concern over attacks on the healthcare system. Between October 2023 and October 2024, 36 incidents targeted healthcare facilities, causing the closure of 96 primary care centers and three hospitals. The World Health Organization reported that 77 healthcare workers were killed during this period. The UN, in collaboration with local authorities, is providing medical supplies and supporting hospitals with emergency kits and medications.
The ongoing hostilities have also severely impacted water infrastructure, with 25 water facilities damaged, affecting around 300,000 people. The UN and its partners are supplying drinking water to shelters. The conflict has led to the displacement of over 540,000 people, primarily from southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Additionally, food partners have distributed hot meals to over 500,000 people since September.
Dujarric also appealed to donors, noting that only 12% of the $426 million emergency appeal had been funded, with $53 million received so far, urging for swift and generous financial contributions.
