UN High Commissioner Warns of Severe Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon during the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly on November 7, Jurist News reported yesterday.
He condemned Israeli airstrikes, which have reportedly killed 3,000 people and targeted civilian infrastructure, alleging violations of international law.
Grandi highlighted that these attacks have obstructed border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, exacerbating the crisis. Since the conflict began, approximately 470,000 people have fled to Syria, contributing to historically high levels of displacement in 2024.
In his remarks, Grandi emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, stating that the humanitarian consequences are overwhelming and require immediate international support. He noted that appeals for funding to assist Lebanon and Syria remain critically underfunded, leaving hundreds of thousands displaced.
The ongoing conflict has also led to the deaths of journalists in Lebanon, with Israel facing accusations of war crimes for killing UN peacekeepers. Despite widespread condemnation from international organizations, Israel has continued its military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis.