The United Nations has raised urgent concerns about the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, warning that the country stands on the edge of a severe crisis as violence intensifies. UN Deputy Special Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, called on the international community to push for a ceasefire, cautioning that the country is “on the verge of humanitarian collapse.”
At the International Conference in Support of Lebanon, held in Paris, Riza expressed deep concern for civilians, noting that humanitarian needs are rising sharply amid the ongoing violence, which has severely impacted the lives of Lebanese citizens.
In her remarks, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Janine Hennis-Plasschaert emphasized the need for swift action to halt the violence. The UN has initiated a $2.72 billion response plan to assist Lebanon, along with an emergency appeal for $426 million in additional aid. However, she warned that, without a ceasefire, these efforts may fall short as the crisis worsens.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also stressed the urgency of ending hostilities and implementing UN Security Council resolutions to pave the way for a lasting peace. The UN reports that more than 1.2 million people have been displaced within Lebanon due to the violence, with over 2,300 lives lost since October, including numerous women and children.
Riza concluded with a plea: “We cannot let this crisis worsen. The people of Lebanon need and expect our support now more than ever.”
