A U.N. migration official described the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon as “devastating” due to intense Israeli bombing. The violence, resulting from clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, has killed hundreds and displaced over a million people in Lebanon since September 23. Othman Belbeisi of the International Organization for Migration emphasized the urgent need for more international support to address the crisis.
The situation has left around 690,000 internally displaced people in Lebanon, with another 400,000 reportedly fleeing the country. Despite receiving minimal support, Lebanon is struggling to provide shelter and aid to those affected. The U.N. has appealed for $426 million to assist 400,000 people in the country, but the funding remains at only 12% of the target.
Amid a five-year economic crisis in Lebanon, the displacement crisis adds to the hardships faced by the population. Belbeisi expressed hope for increased aid and a swift resolution to the crisis, as the violence shows no signs of abating.