UN sounds alarm as Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon kill more civilians

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of nearly 300 people.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN rights office, emphasized that the recent attacks on communication devices and the exchange of rocket fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces mark a significant escalation of the conflict.

The UN official warned that the regional spillover of the conflict, which has been a concern for the UN, is now becoming a reality due to the actions and rhetoric of the parties involved. This escalation is particularly alarming, considering the intense cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces over the past year, which has been ongoing since Israel’s war on Gaza.

“But instead of a de-escalation, what we have seen … is further rhetoric with further plans of an escalation,” she said.

“This needs to stop.”

The situation in Lebanon has been dire, with reports indicating that over 111,000 individuals have been displaced from South Lebanon due to the ongoing hostilities. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has reported a total of 2,412 casualties, including 564 deaths, with at least 133 civilian deaths confirmed.

The humanitarian situation remains critical, with access to safe drinking water affected for over 200,000 people due to damage to water stations.

The UN has continued to call for adherence to international humanitarian law, safeguarding civilians, and facilitating humanitarian access to those in need.