Speaking at International conference supporting the people and sovereignty of Lebanon held in Paris, Imran Riza expressed deep concern for civilians. “As hostilities continue, humanitarian needs are increasingly unchecked and suffering is increasing,” he expressed.
Lebanon’s special coordinator, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, told the conference that concrete action was needed to end hostilities amid an already dire situation.
She reminded that the United Nations had launched one Lebanon’s response plan is worth $2.72 billionalong with one The lightning call was worth $426 million – but without a ceasefire, demand in Lebanon will only continue to grow.
Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres also emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire along with meaningful steps toward full implementation of lasting agreements. Security Council The resolutions so far have not been able to create a lasting peace.
Mass displacement, humanitarian tensions
The ongoing violence has displaced more than 1.2 million people in Lebanon. Mr. Guterres noted, “Since last October, more than 2,300 people have been killed in Lebanon, and at least 50 in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan. Many of those killed were children and women.”
Mr. Riza, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, “We cannot, indeed we must not, let that happen. The Lebanese people expect us, the international community, to deliver.”
Lebanese forces must strengthen
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Deputy Secretary-General for Peace Operations emphasized that “increased deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon is essentialto come up with a political solution.
Furthermore, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) reports that in overcrowded shelters with insufficient water and sanitation, the risk of disease spread is increasing. The first case of cholera has been recorded in the country.
Urgent call for solidarity
Speaking at the conference, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of UNRWA declared: “The escalating conflict in Lebanon is a tragic extension of the devastating war in Gaza and the crisis in the West Bank.”
He warned that civilians “once again pay a heavy price,” adding that “hundreds of thousands of people are displaced, seeking safety in a climate of fear and instability.”
Mr. Lacroix emphasized, “The United Nations alone cannot ensure stability and peace. It is up to the parties to demonstrate the necessary political will and meaningfully recommit to full implementation.”
As the international community convened to discuss the crisis, there was general recognition that immediate action was essential. Mr. Guterres called: “Let us demonstrate solidarity with action to reduce suffering and promote peace.”
