UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi arrived in Beirut on Saturday, condemning the “horrific crisis” Lebanon is facing after hundreds of thousands fled their homes due to intense Israeli airstrikes on several regions in the country.
In a post on the social platform X, Grandi stated, “Just arrived in Beirut as Lebanon faces a horrific crisis. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left destitute or displaced due to the Israeli air raids.” He added, “I am here to show solidarity with those affected, to support humanitarian efforts, and to call for more international assistance.” Lebanese authorities estimate that more than one million people have been displaced due to the Israeli escalation.
In a related statement, Imran Riza, Deputy Special Coordinator for the United Nations in Lebanon and Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, warned of a “worrying increase” in attacks on healthcare teams in the country.
“We have seen a troubling rise in attacks against healthcare workers in Lebanon in recent days,” Riza shared on X. “Healthcare workers are paying the ultimate price with their lives,” he continued, stressing that “Lebanon’s health system is on the brink of collapse.”
Riza’s comments follow the announcement that at least four hospitals in Lebanon have suspended their services.
