The conflict in Lebanon has intensified, with Israel re-invading southern regions and displacing over one million Lebanese civilians. The United Nations' top refugee official, Barham Salih, described the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe, highlighting the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure, as well as the suffering of displaced families living in shelters, cars, and tents. The ongoing violence has deeply impacted Lebanon's population, which already hosts hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, further complicating the crisis.
Salih emphasized the challenges faced by the Lebanese government amid difficult political and economic conditions, urging the international community to provide greater support. Despite international aid efforts, funding remains insufficient to meet the scale of displacement and destruction, with more than 37,000 housing units destroyed and prospects for return bleak. The conflict’s toll is also marked by significant civilian casualties, with over 2,000 killed by Israeli bombardments, many of whom are women, children, and the elderly. Salih called for a political and diplomatic resolution, condemning civilian targeting and expressing concern over Israel's plans to maintain a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, which threatens long-term stability.