UN: Israel's expansion of war displacing people, increasing suffering

Lebanese people entering Syria through the al-Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, 45 km from the Syrian capital Damascus on September 27, 2024 [Hisham Hourani/Anadolu Agency]

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, yesterday warned that Israel’s expansion of the war into Lebanon and Yemen will only result in more displaced people and civilians suffering.

He said that more than 100,000 Lebanese and Syrians living in Lebanon have now crossed into Syria fleeing the Israeli air strikes while over 200,000 others have been internally displaced inside Lebanon.

In a post on X, Grandi added that relief operations are underway to help those in need, in coordination with the Lebanese and Syrian governments.

The number of people who have crossed into Syria from Lebanon fleeing Israeli airstrikes — Lebanese and Syrian nationals — has reached 100,000. The outflow continues.

UNHCR is present at four crossing points alongside local authorities and @SYRedCrescent to support new arrivals. pic.twitter.com/7dtrghsMH4

— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) September 30, 2024

He noted that the Israeli air strikes have targeted homes and civilian infrastructure in Lebanon, resulting in the killing of entire families and an unprecedented mass displacement.

He stressed the importance of protecting civilians and meeting their basic needs, whether they decide to flee or stay, stressing that they are not a target.

For his part, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said the Israeli raids on Lebanon have forced thousands of people, including Palestinian refugees, to flee their homes, noting that seven shelters have been opened to receive displaced families and which currently hosts 1,600 people, including Lebanese, Palestinians and Syrians.

Lazzarini stressed that many of the displaced are suffering from psychological trauma as a result of the ongoing shelling and uncertainty, warning that further expansion of the war will only lead to more suffering for civilians.

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