Amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is rapidly deepening. Israeli forces are carrying out widespread strikes, triggering mass displacement and rising civilian casualties.
According to the United Nations, more than 816,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, while hundreds of civilians—including children—have been killed.
As the crisis worsens, Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, said from Lebanon that his message to the warring parties is clear: stop the fighting and stop the bombing. He stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict and instead called for diplomacy, dialogue, and the full implementation of the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Earlier, António Guterres joined Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, to launch a $308.3 million Flash Humanitarian Appeal to support the Lebanese people and expand life-saving assistance. The appeal aims to address urgent humanitarian needs arising from renewed hostilities in the country, the UN said.
Guterres said they launched a Flash Humanitarian Appeal of $308.3 million to support the people of Lebanon. He added that amid the terrible toll the military escalation is taking across the region, the world must show the people of Lebanon its strongest support.
He said hundreds of civilians, including many children, have been killed, while entire communities have been uprooted and lives turned upside down. Evacuation orders now extend across more areas of the country than ever before, disrupting access to food, water, healthcare, education, and other basic services. Guterres added that more than 816,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon, while over 90,000 people—mostly Syrians but also Lebanese—have crossed into Syria.
The UN Secretary-General further remarked that despite the upheaval caused by the conflict in Lebanon, there has been exceptional courage and solidarity on the ground, with schools opening their doors to shelter displaced families and health workers continuing to serve under immense pressure. He said communities have shown resilience despite repeated displacement, while UN agencies and humanitarian partners are working with national authorities to deliver hot meals, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies, and other essential relief items. However, he stressed that these life-saving efforts need significantly greater support.
He said the Flash Humanitarian Appeal would help sustain and expand life-saving assistance over the next three months, including the provision of food, clean water, healthcare, education, protection, and other vital services for those affected by the ongoing crisis.
In a post on X after arriving in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, António Guterres wrote that he was visiting in solidarity with the people of Lebanon. He stressed that the Lebanese people did not choose this war but were dragged into it, adding that the United Nations would spare no effort to help secure a peaceful future for the country and the wider region.
Amid the holy periods of Ramadan and Lent, Guterres said it was heartbreaking to see escalating violence shatter a season meant for solidarity and generosity in Lebanon, stressing that the war must stop.