The United Nations held a daily press briefing on June 9, 2025, addressing critical humanitarian issues in the West Bank and Lebanon amid ongoing military operations.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces have intensified operations in the northern region, leading to the destruction of roads and significant disruptions to Palestinian access to essential services. The UN and humanitarian partners are actively responding to the crisis, providing vital water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance to tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians.
Turning to Lebanon, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expressed grave concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of military activities on civilians. Recent Israeli air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, which occurred just before Eid al-Azha, have resulted in extensive damage and displacement. Thousands of residents from targeted neighborhoods have fled their homes following displacement orders. This incident marks the first air strike on Beirut since the cessation of hostilities in November 2024.
The ongoing military operations have exacerbated protection concerns for civilians, hindering their safe return and complicating humanitarian access. Reports indicate that artillery shelling and air strikes continue along the blue line, particularly in areas where the Israeli army maintains a presence. Preliminary estimates from the Beirut area reconstruction committee reveal significant damage, including the destruction of nine residential buildings and a school for people with disabilities, displacing approximately 300 families.
Currently, over 82,000 people remain displaced across Lebanon, while more than 981,000 have returned to their communities. The continued military actions in Lebanon are a major driver of humanitarian needs, particularly in the southern regions.
In a related update, Yunoka Abdul Abari, head of the UN office for Central Africa, reported progress in restoring constitutional order in Chad during a video conference with the Security Council. This highlights ongoing efforts to stabilize regions affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.