UN Says Civilian Suffering in Lebanon is a ‘Grave Concern’

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – On Monday, November 4, 2024, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concerns over the impact of Israel and Hezbollah’s fighting on civilians in Lebanon.

Dujarric also condemned the rising death toll due to the conflict, emphasizing that all parties must adhere to international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. He added that the UN peacekeeping forces stationed along the Blue Line—the de facto boundary between Lebanon and Israel—have also been affected by the hostilities.

He called on both sides to immediately cease hostilities and stressed that “the United Nations continues to support efforts toward a cease-fire and a diplomatic solution.”

Dujarric pointed to Israel’s ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon and Lebanese Hezbollah’s attacks through drone and rocket launches into Israel.

Last Saturday, a UN post near Markaba sustained damage to its containers and surrounding areas due to Israeli army demolition operations. An explosion also damaged a UN vehicle at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, although no casualties were reported.

Tensions in the region are escalating due to Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, resulting in nearly 43,400 casualties, mostly women and children, since Hamas’ attacks last October.

With the conflict spreading to Lebanon, Israel has launched deadly attacks in various parts of the country. Since last year, over 3,000 people have been reported killed and nearly 13,500 others injured due to Israeli strikes, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Despite international warnings of the potential regional war in the Middle East amid Israel’s relentless attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, Tel Aviv has expanded operations by launching ground assaults into southern Lebanon starting October 1.

ANADOLU | UNGENEVA.ORG

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