In a recent government meeting, significant discussions highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crises in both Palestine and Lebanon, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and intervention.
According to reports from OCHA, between last Tuesday and this Monday, three of the eleven Palestinians killed by Israeli forces were victims of airstrikes. The situation in the West Bank remains dire, with demolitions displacing numerous residents, particularly in East Jerusalem. From November 5 to 11, 50 out of 62 Palestinians displaced due to demolitions were from East Jerusalem, nearly half of whom were children. The demolition of a residential building in the Al Bustan area of Silwan, which housed a community center serving over 1,000 people, was noted as a significant loss for the community, impacting vital workshops and activities for women and youth.
In Lebanon, Under Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean Pierre Lacroix concluded a three-day visit, meeting with senior officials and emphasizing the UN's support for diplomatic efforts to implement Security Council Resolution 1701. He expressed grave concern over ongoing hostilities, particularly the exchange of fire between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah, which included 13 airstrikes recorded by UNIFIL in a single day. The situation remains precarious, with intense clashes reported in southern Lebanon and ongoing IDF operations.
UNIFIL reiterated the importance of all parties adhering to international law to protect civilians and UN personnel. The humanitarian impact is severe, with reports indicating that over 80% of children killed in Lebanon over the past year have died in the last 50 days. In a single day, 13 children were reported killed in three separate Israeli airstrikes. The health care system in Lebanon is under immense strain, with over 14,000 injuries reported since October of last year.
The meeting concluded with a call for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflicts, as the humanitarian crises in both regions continue to deepen.