UN Reports Over One Million Displaced in Lebanon
According to reports, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said during a press briefing that “Overnight and into the early morning, Israeli strikes on central Beirut reportedly caused additional casualties,” noting that residential neighborhoods were hit, resulting in the collapse of a multi-story building.
He also highlighted the impact on healthcare infrastructure, stating that “Earlier today, authorities reported significant damage sustained by three government hospitals following Israeli strikes, injuring health care workers.”
Haq further explained that “more than one million people are now displaced, including 367,000 children — that's nearly one third of the displaced,” as ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and armed groups in Lebanon continue without signs of de-escalation.
Referring to updates from the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), he described a deteriorating security environment throughout its area of operations. He pointed to “heavy exchanges of fire, intensified air and ground activity, and the increased presence of Israeli forces inside Lebanese territory.”
Expressing concern over renewed evacuation directives issued by Israel that are “affecting civilians on both sides of the Blue Line,” the United Nations urged all parties to avoid further escalation.
“We continue to call for de-escalation and urge all sides to avail themselves of diplomatic channels and recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701,” Haq said.
Reports indicate that Israel expanded its military operations in Lebanon following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
In response, the Hezbollah group carried out an attack on a military position in northern Israel on March 2, describing it as retaliation for continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect in November 2024, as well as for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel airstrike on February 28.
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