Israel's fierce attacks in Lebanon are forcing many people to flee. Around 1600 targets in Lebanon were bombed on Monday and offensive is continuing, according to the Israeli military. Lebanon speaks of more than 500 dead.
The attacks caused panic, particularly in southern Lebanon. Tens of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes in a region already devastated by war. Since the beginning of the Gaza situation last October, ongoing clashes along the Blue Line across Lebanon’s southern border have displaced more than 102,000 people.
This escalating crisis is terrifying, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. ‘The civilian casualties are unacceptable. Political leaders must find solutions. An end to the hostilities is urgently needed.’
Two employees of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, were also killed in the airstrikes, as Grandi confirmed.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also very concerned about these recent events in the Middle East. According to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres fears for the safety of civilians in both southern Lebanon and northern Israel. All parties involved must fulfill their responsibilities and protect civilians as well as UN staff.