UNHCR chief issues urgent aid appeal to stem humanitarian catastrophe in Lebanon

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for increased international assistance to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, following intensified Israeli airstrikes and a limited ground incursion targeting Hezbollah militants. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi described the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe" and urged for an immediate ceasefire.

Lebanese health authorities report over 2,000 deaths and nearly 10,000 injuries since Israel launched its offensive against Hamas in Gaza a year ago. The situation worsened last month when Hezbollah's leader was killed, prompting Israel to expand its bombing campaign throughout Lebanon. This escalation follows Iran's missile attacks on Israeli cities, amid ongoing rocket fire across the UN-monitored Blue Line, which has led to mass evacuations on both sides.

Grandi, who visited Beirut on Saturday, stressed the dire impact on civilians, with hundreds of thousands displaced and urgent humanitarian needs rising. He emphasized that international humanitarian law must be upheld and condemned the devastating toll on Lebanese communities. Grandi urged immediate international action to assist those displaced, noting that families are stranded, homeless, and struggling to survive amid continuous airstrikes.

UNHCR has reported that over a million people have fled their homes in the past two weeks. Government-run shelters are overwhelmed, and relief supplies are being disrupted due to the ongoing conflict. Grandi met with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati and other senior officials, as well as displaced families, to assess the situation and coordinate further aid.

Grandi stated, "This war is taking a tragic toll on communities. Families are desperate for safety and for the airstrikes to stop. The world must step up to provide urgent help. This is not just a humanitarian duty, it’s a moral imperative."

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