UN Urges Peace Amid Rising Violence in Lebanon and Israel
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence along the Blue Line between Lebanon and northern Israel. The UN spokesperson highlighted that these hostilities endanger both Lebanese and Israeli populations and threaten regional security and stability.
Efforts to De-escalate Tensions
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is actively engaging with parties to help de-escalate tensions and prevent further misunderstandings. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, is also working with her contacts to support diplomatic efforts to end the violence and restore stability.
The UN has renewed its call for the involved parties to immediately de-escalate and comply with the cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. Despite the challenging situation, UN peacekeeping forces remain committed to their mandate and continue to adapt to fulfill their objectives.
Humanitarian Crisis
Imran Riza, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, described the recent escalation as catastrophic, with violence spreading to previously unaffected areas. The conflict has caused widespread destruction, resulting in at least 700 deaths, thousands of injuries, and the displacement of nearly 120,000 people in less than a week. Since October 2023, over 1,500 civilians have been killed, and 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.
Joyce Msuya, the Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, has allocated an additional USD 10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for humanitarian response in Lebanon, on top of USD 10 million previously disbursed from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund. The UN pledges to continue monitoring the situation and supporting the Lebanese government’s humanitarian response.
Doubts Revealed
UN -: The UN stands for the United Nations. It is an international organization that works to promote peace and cooperation among countries.
Lebanon -: Lebanon is a country in the Middle East, located to the north of Israel. It has a rich history and diverse culture.
Israel -: Israel is a country in the Middle East, located to the south of Lebanon. It is known for its historical and religious significance.
Blue Line -: The Blue Line is a border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel, established by the United Nations to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon.
de-escalate -: De-escalate means to reduce the intensity of a conflict or dangerous situation. The UN is trying to calm things down between Lebanon and Israel.
humanitarian crises -: Humanitarian crises are situations where large numbers of people suffer due to war, natural disasters, or other emergencies. They often need urgent help like food, water, and shelter.
displaced -: Displaced means people have been forced to leave their homes because of danger or conflict. They often need a safe place to stay.
allocated -: Allocated means to set aside or distribute resources for a specific purpose. The UN has set aside money to help people affected by the violence in Lebanon.
