The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated today, Saturday, that "approximately 110,000 people have been displaced from southern Lebanon since October of last year," noting that 35% of these displaced persons are children. The office indicated, "Estimates suggest that around 150,000 people are still within the Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel, which is 120 kilometers long." It added that "the ongoing hostilities and daily exchanges of gunfire across the southern border continue to affect civilians on both sides."
Since October 2023, 16 attacks on healthcare have been reported, and 21 paramedics have been killed amid the hostilities, according to the World Health Organization. Significant damage to water, electricity, telecommunications, and road infrastructure in southern Lebanon has been recorded. The escalating hostilities in Lebanon continue to cause an increase in civilian casualties and displaced persons. All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times.
