Lebanon Conflict Reaches ‘Critical Point’ with Over 3,000 Confirmed Dead
Beirut, November 6, 2024 – The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has reached a critical stage, with over 3,000 confirmed deaths and humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly, according to the latest reports.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a grave warning, stating that “more than half of Lebanon’s population is now in need of humanitarian assistance.”
The conflict, which began in 2023 and pits the Lebanese government and its allies against various rebel groups, has inflicted severe damage on the country’s infrastructure, crippling hospitals, schools, and essential services.
Medical supplies are running critically low, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of wounded. Access to clean water and sanitation is also becoming increasingly scarce.
“The situation is dire,” said Hassan Shadid, a spokesperson for OCHA in Beirut. “We are seeing people dying from preventable diseases, children going hungry, and families losing their homes.”
One of the most worrying trends is the increasing number of civilian casualties. According to the Lebanese Red Cross, over 1,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict so far.
“The indiscriminate shelling of residential areas is a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” said Rania Masri, a human rights lawyer with Amnesty International. “The perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable.”
The conflict has also resulted in a severe economic crisis, with the Lebanese pound plummeting in value and inflation soaring. This has made it increasingly difficult for ordinary people to afford basic necessities.
“We are on the brink of a catastrophe,” said Nada Boustani, a local aid worker. “People are struggling to survive, and the government is unable to provide them with the assistance they need.”
The international community has been urged to provide immediate humanitarian aid to Lebanon. OCHA has called for $388 million to fund emergency operations in the country. The World Food Program has also issued an appeal for $100 million to provide food assistance to 1.3 million people.
“The scale of this humanitarian crisis is unprecedented,” said Lise Grande, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. “We need to act now to prevent further suffering and loss of life.”
The Lebanese government has appealed for a ceasefire, but it remains unclear whether all parties to the conflict will agree to it. The UN Security Council has also adopted a resolution calling for an end to the fighting, but its implementation has been hindered by ongoing clashes.
Lebanon conflict at ‘critical point’ with more than 3,000 confirmed dead
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