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Extensive Civilian Suffering as UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon
The humanitarian toll continues to climb in Lebanon following a series of relentless Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs over the weekend. These attacks have resulted in widespread destruction, heavy casualties, and the displacement of countless families, according to dire assessments from United Nations (UN) aid teams.
Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), emphasized the urgent need for hostilities to cease. “The High Commissioner reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire to put an end to the killings and the destruction,” he stated. Laurence highlighted significant concerns surrounding the Israeli military actions, which have caused extensive civilian casualties, including entire families, as well as the destruction of essential infrastructure. These actions raise serious questions about compliance with the principles of proportionality, distinction, and necessity under international law.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
As the violence escalates, civilians on both sides are bearing the brunt of the conflict. OHCHR noted that Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel has continued, leading to civilian casualties and mass displacement. Many of these rockets are indiscriminate, posing a direct threat to civilian lives, the spokesperson added. “The only way to end the suffering of people on all sides is a permanent and immediate ceasefire on all fronts: in Lebanon, in Israel, and in Gaza,” he stressed.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the devastation in Beirut reached new heights on Saturday when an airstrike leveled a residential building, killing nearly 30 people and injuring more than 65. That single day saw a total of 84 fatalities across the country, authorities reported.
Rising Death Toll
The conflict’s mounting toll has been catastrophic, with OCHA reporting an average of 250 deaths per week throughout November. Since the escalation began in October 2023, the death toll has surpassed 3,700 in Lebanon alone. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) condemned the recent deaths of at least nine children between November 22 and 23, including boys and girls who were asleep in their beds during nighttime attacks.
In total, UNICEF reports that at least 240 children have lost their lives in Lebanon since October, as hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces intensified in response to Israeli bombings in Gaza.
Aid Operations Continue Amid Conflict
Despite ongoing violence, UN agencies and their humanitarian partners remain committed to delivering essential aid to affected populations. As of November 19, UNICEF had conducted 14 humanitarian convoys, reaching around 50,000 people in hard-to-reach areas such as Tyre, Rmeich, Marjaayoun, and Hasbaya. The agency is also aiding displaced families in Beirut, where a severe urban displacement crisis has left many without shelter.
Meanwhile, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday that it had delivered 48 tons of medical supplies to support Lebanon’s healthcare system. This shipment ensures that 300,000 people have continued access to vital medications through the country’s chronic disease medication program.
A Call for Peace
As the conflict intensifies, the UN continues to urge all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law. The call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire remains unwavering, as the only viable path to alleviate the suffering and destruction inflicted on populations across Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza.
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