UN Sounds Alarm as Over One Million Displaced in Lebanon

(MENAFN) The UN issued a warning on Wednesday that more than one million individuals have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon due to intensifying Israeli bombardments, with almost a third of those displaced being children.

"Overnight and into the early morning, Israeli strikes on central Beirut reportedly caused additional casualties," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq stated at a press briefing, highlighting that residential neighborhoods were hit, leading to the collapse of a multi-story building.

Referring to attacks targeting health facilities, Haq mentioned: "Earlier today, authorities reported significant damage sustained by three government hospitals following Israeli strikes, injuring health care workers."

He further emphasized that "more than one million people are now displaced, including 367,000 children — that's nearly one third of the displaced," noting that hostilities between Israeli forces and armed factions in Lebanon show no signs of abating.

Citing the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Haq described a sharply deteriorating security situation throughout its operational region.

He observed "heavy exchanges of fire, intensified air and ground activity, and the increased presence of Israeli forces inside Lebanese territory."

Expressing renewed concern over Israel's evacuation directives "affecting civilians on both sides of the Blue Line," the UN urged all parties to withdraw from escalating tensions.

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