UN Moves De-Escalate Israel and Lebanon Conflict

Bahia El Hariri, Member of Parliament of Lebanon, addresses the Summit of the Future to discuss Lebanon’s plans for a peaceful future. Credits: UNICEF/ Laura Jarriel

By Oritro Karim
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 25 2024 (IPS)

Yesterday, Israel launched a series of bombardments across Southern Lebanon, killing over 500 people and injuring over 1,800, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. This has been described as the deadliest day for the country since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War. Furthermore, this is only the latest of a series of conflicts between Israel and Lebanon since the eruption of the Israel-Hamas War in October of last year.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Lebanese civilians to flee from targeted areas, claiming that the bombardments were intended for the Iran-affiliated militant group, Hezbollah. He adds that the intention of the barrage was to “restore the security balance”, referring to Hezbollah aiming missiles at eight different military bases in Israel. Israeli authorities claim that the recent airstrikes have killed Ibrahim Aqil, missile commander for Hezbollah.

Throughout the past year, Israeli authorities have issued routine evacuation orders for civilians in the Gaza Strip, but yesterday marked the first instance of an evacuation order in Lebanon. This has raised concern among Lebanese officials and the United Nations (UN) that there will be an escalation in missile airstrikes in the coming future.

The Israeli military’s chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, informed reporters that Israel is committed to accelerating offensive actions in Lebanon. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) added that Israel is focused on an “aerial campaign only”, but didn’t rule out the possibility of a ground invasion, saying “we will do whatever is needed”.

Yesterday’s attack has spurred mass internal displacement throughout Lebanon. “Tens of thousands of people were forced from their homes yesterday and overnight, and the numbers continue to grow”, stated U.N. refugee agency spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh. Heavy traffic has been observed in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions as thousands of civilians hurry to flee from missile targeted areas. Yesterday, the Lebanese government issued a statement, declaring that schools will be designated as emergency shelters in the wake of the bombardments.

Bassam Mawalawi, the Minister of Interior and Municipalities in Lebanon, informed reporters that over 20,000 displaced peoples are currently taking refuge in Lebanon’s public schools, universities, and other designated public centers. The Lebanese Civil Defense stated today that they are currently distributing drinking water to these shelters.

Currently, the United Nations is working on securing a ceasefire before this conflict escalates into a war. “The Secretary-General notes the ongoing efforts by the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon to reduce tensions and he reiterates the urgent need for de-escalation and that all efforts be devoted to a diplomatic solution”, stated Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, in a press briefing yesterday.

Additionally, Pentagon Press Secretary, Pat Ryder, informed reporters that the United States is sending a “small number of additional U.S. military personnel” to Israel and Lebanon in an effort to de-escalate tensions. The UN’s Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, is currently meeting with Israeli authorities in an effort to find a diplomatic solution. The Head of Mission and Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, has been in correspondence with both Israeli and Lebanese officials as well.

The UN estimates that approximately 50 million dollars will be required to fund humanitarian efforts in Lebanon for the next two to four weeks. Essential services, such as the delivery of food and shelter supplies, are in dire need as makeshift shelters struggle to accommodate the influx of thousands in Southern Lebanon. The UN encourages donor support as tensions between the parties continue to rise.

IPS UN Bureau Report