The top United Nations official in Lebanon on Thursday addressed an international conference in Paris in support of the Lebanese people and sovereignty, expressing deep concern over the plight of the local population.
He opined that the war situation continues and the humanitarian needs in this situation are increasing unabated, due to which the suffering of the common citizens is intensifying.
Jeanine Hennis-Plassert, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, called for immediate and decisive action to end the fighting in Lebanon amid a catastrophic situation.
He noted that the United Nations has already presented an aid plan of $2.72 billion, while an appeal has been issued for $426 million. But demand levels are likely to increase if there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.
The top UN official, Antonio Guterres, stressed the need for a ceasefire to find ways to effectively implement Security Council resolutions, so as to achieve lasting peace.
mass displacement
Ongoing violence in Lebanon and Israeli airstrikes have forced more than 1.2 million people to be displaced within the country’s borders.
Secretary-General Guterres noted that since October 2023, more than 2,300 people have died in Lebanon and at least 50 in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan. Among the dead are women and children.
Special Deputy Coordinator Imran Riza insisted on an immediate ceasefire and effective humanitarian assistance that the Lebanese people expect from us, the international community, to meet their needs.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix said increasing the deployment of armed forces in southern Lebanon was critical to achieving a political solution.
At the same time, the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that shelters are overcrowded, lack adequate water and sanitation, and that the risk of spreading disease is increasing. First case of cholera has been registered in the country.
A plea for unity
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini also spoke at the conference in Paris, saying the developments in Lebanon were a tragic extension of the devastating war in Gaza and the crisis in the West Bank.
He expressed his anger that common citizens are yet again paying a heavy price. Millions of people have been displaced, seeking safety in an environment of fear and uncertainty.
According to Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, the UN alone cannot ensure stability and peace. According to him, the parties concerned need to show the necessary political will and reaffirm their determination to establish peace.
Secretary-General Guterres said the incident brought the international community together to discuss the crisis in Lebanon and that we must show solidarity through action to alleviate suffering and promote peace.