– The targeted attacks against civilian areas in the south and east of Lebanon and northern Israel mean that the conflict has now reached a new and incredibly dangerous level, says Egeland.
According to Lebanese health authorities, at least 492 people were killed and over 1,600 were injured in the Israeli attacks on Monday, and the attacks continue.
– A further escalation will result in violence and destruction on an enormous scale and increases the risk of a full-scale regional conflict, he warns.
The Norwegian Refugee Council assists the many thousands of Lebanese who have fled the Israeli attacks, but does not know how long they will be able to continue their work.
– All our people are currently accounted for, but we fear that this latest wave of attacks will destroy our ability to help, says Egeland.
Lebanon previously had 1.5 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and the country is in the midst of a dramatic economic crisis.
– It has never been more critically necessary to agree on a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as for Lebanon and Israel, so that the civilian population in the region can be spared further suffering and loss, emphasizes Egeland.
– Central countries in the region and elsewhere in the world must do everything to get all parties to stop this merciless bloodshed, he says.
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2024-09-24 14:20:20
