U.N. Spokesperson Expresses Concern Over Impact of Israel-Hezbollah Conflict on Civilians
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been a source of great concern for the United Nations and its spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, who expressed his “grave concern” on Monday over the rising impact of the conflict on civilians in the region.
The conflict, which began on July 12th with a Hezbollah cross-border raid and subsequent Israeli military response, has escalated in recent weeks, causing widespread destruction and suffering for both Israelis and Lebanese civilians. According to recent reports, over a thousand Lebanese have been killed and more than four thousand injured, while Israel has suffered dozens of casualties and significant damage to its infrastructure.
In light of these devastating consequences, Dujarric condemned the escalating violence and called for an immediate end to the conflict, stating that “the continued impact on civilians is unacceptable and must be stopped.” He stressed that the U.N. is “gravely concerned about the growing number of civilian casualties, including children,” and called on all parties involved to prioritize the protection of innocent lives.
The U.N. spokesperson also expressed concern over the widespread destruction of vital infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and roads, which has severely hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential services to affected communities. He called on all parties to respect the principles of international humanitarian law and ensure the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian workers.
Dujarric also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where over a million people have been displaced from their homes and are in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical assistance. He called on the international community to provide immediate support to affected communities and emphasized the importance of ensuring unfettered access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to those in need.
Furthermore, the U.N. spokesperson expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on the already fragile political and economic situation in Lebanon. He stressed the need for a swift resolution to the crisis to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Dujarric also expressed the U.N.’s support for the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire and a lasting solution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. He urged all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and reiterated the U.N.’s readiness to facilitate the peace process.
In conclusion, the U.N. spokesperson’s statement serves as a reminder of the devastating toll that the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is taking on civilians and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. The international community must come together to support the affected communities and work towards a lasting solution that prioritizes the protection of innocent lives. The U.N. stands ready to offer its support and assistance to bring an end to this senseless and destructive conflict.
