UN warns of major crisis in Lebanon, accuses Israel of violating international law

BEIRUT, Oct. 07 (YPA) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has announced that Lebanon is witnessing a “major displacement crisis” as a result of the escalation of Israeli air strikes in the country, adding that some of the strikes violate international law.

Grandi said during a visit to the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Sunday that “there are many examples of violations of international humanitarian law in the way air strikes were carried out, which destroyed or damaged civilian infrastructure.”

He stressed that the air strike, which cut off access to a major border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, also created an obstacle for civilians trying to flee to safety.

The United Nations has appealed to donor countries to provide funds to deal with the humanitarian crisis, and about 40% of the requested amounts have been provided so far.

According to the UN refugee agency, two UNHCR workers were killed in Israeli strikes.

The escalation of violence has caused Lebanese citizens as well as Syrian refugees in Lebanon to cross the border in large numbers.

YPA