The United Nations' refugee chief called Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon a violation of international humanitarian law.
What's new: Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, said on a visit to Beirut on Sunday that Israel's bombardment targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah unlawfully hit civilian infrastructure and killed civilians.
"This is a major displacement crisis," he told a press conference. "We need safety in the movements of the humanitarian staff – Red Cross, U.N., NGOs. We need respect for civilian infrastructure and civilian population. Unfortunately, many instances of violations of international humanitarian law in the way the airstrikes are conducted that have destroyed or damaged civilian infrastructure, have killed civilians, have impacted humanitarian operations."
What's next: Grandi sought to mobilize more support for Lebanese civilians and refugees, as the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, said it is urgently working to find safe shelter for everyone because the government-run shelters are "overwhelmed."
At least 220,000 people, mostly Syrians and Lebanese, have crossed the Lebanese border into Syria, according to Grandi. Many of the Syrians already fled their homeland's civil war since 2011. UNHCR is appealing for US$111 million to aid 1 million displaced people in Lebanon through the end of 2024.
What's important: “I’ve witnessed today the tragic toll this war is taking on entire communities,” Grandi said.
“International humanitarian law must be respected and cannot be ignored," he said. "Families have been left homeless, stranded in the open air with traumatized children unable to understand what’s happening. They all told me how desperate they are to feel safe, and for the airstrikes to stop so they can return to their towns and villages."
Who's involved: Grandi's visit included meetings with Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati and other senior government officials, UNHCR staff, and displaced Lebanese families.
He also walked through the streets of a city neighborhood and accompanied Lebanon's Environment Minister Nasser Yassin on a visit to meet displaced families sheltering in a Beirut school.
Grandi said he went to tour Lebanon and express his solidarity with the country after two weeks of deadly Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds and forced over 1 million people to flee their homes.
Officials with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Beirut also demanded respect on Sunday for international humanitarian law.
"Any harm inflicted on medical workers, rescue volunteers, or health care facilities is unacceptable," the International Committee of the Red Cross said. "These groups are protected under international humanitarian law and must be shielded from violence. Humanitarian workers and medical personnel save lives: we call for their protection and respect."
What's happening now: The Israel-Hamas war, now one year old in the wake of Iran-backed Hamas' surprise attack that killed 1,200 Israeli on Oct. 7, 2023, is becoming a regional conflict.
Lebanese authorities say civilians are being targeted, but Israel says it is taking measures to minimize the risk of harm to civilians that both Hamas and Hezbollah hide among.
