Refugees International Condemns the Killing of More Than 500 People, including Two UN Staff in Lebanon and Urges Restraint in Wider Escalation

Statement from Refugees International’s Senior Advocate for the Middle East Jesse Marks:

“Refugees International is deeply alarmed by the killing of more than 500 people – including two UNHCR staff – in Lebanon amid the rapid escalation of violence there. We condemn Israel’s use of airstrikes on densely populated civilian areas, as well as Hezbollah’s indiscriminate rocket fire into northern Israel, both of which violate the belligerents’ obligations under international humanitarian law. Once again, civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence as both sides engage in reckless and indiscriminate military tactics.

A large-scale war in Lebanon would be devastating: humanitarian infrastructure across the Middle East is already strained to its breaking point. Any further escalation would pose dire consequences for millions of vulnerable individuals, including Palestinian and Syrian refugees already living in precarious conditions in Lebanon. The devastation inflicted upon Gaza – characterized by utter disregard for international humanitarian law – must not be repeated in Lebanon. The international community has an urgent responsibility to apply all available diplomatic leverage to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and humanitarian workers, and secure a cessation of hostilities by both Israel and Hezbollah. Israel in particular must immediately establish sincere and robust deconfliction coordination with humanitarian actors to ensure that no further humanitarian personnel are killed. 

Refugees International calls on President Biden and members of the international community to redouble efforts to seek a diplomatic de-escalation in Lebanon. We specifically urge:

1. A halt to Israeli airstrikes on densely populated civilian areas in both Gaza and Lebanon.
2. An immediate end to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel.
3. Concerted efforts to prevent any further escalation, which would have devastating humanitarian consequences.
4. Safe and unfettered humanitarian access to all affected areas, with immediate provision of life-saving aid to displaced and vulnerable populations.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Etant Dupain at edupain@refugeesinternational.org.