UN Warns Lebanon of Possible ‘Spiral of Doom’ Similar to Gaza Crisis
UN humanitarian officials have issued a warning about the escalating conflict in Lebanon potentially mirroring the devastation seen in Gaza due to Israel’s war. The UN’s World Food Programme director for Lebanon, Matthew Hollingworth, expressed deep concern, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent a similar situation from unfolding. With almost 42,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes since last October, the destruction has displaced millions and left infrastructure in ruins.
Hollingworth, who previously worked in Gaza, fears Lebanon could enter a similar cycle of destruction and displacement. In response to Israel’s assault on Lebanon to facilitate the return of displaced individuals, world leaders from the US, UK, France, and Germany are set to discuss the situation in Berlin. The UK’s Prime Minister has rejected calls for a complete ban on arms exports to Israel but emphasized the need for a ceasefire and increased aid to Gaza.
The situation in Lebanon continues to worsen with the Israeli military initiating a ground offensive in the southwest, resulting in over 1,400 deaths and 1.2 million displacements. Hezbollah’s deputy leader accused the US of complicity in Gaza’s suffering and vowed to continue attacks on Israel. Foreign policy chiefs are urging for a ceasefire as Iran warns of retaliation for any attack on its infrastructure. Reports of more casualties and airstrikes in both Gaza and Lebanon add to the mounting tensions in the region.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
