Beirut: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that a humanitarian convoy of 14 trucks yesterday delivered emergency aid, including food and water, to the Ras Baalbek area in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate in Lebanon, in what is the first humanitarian convoy since September 23. According to the UN daily news bulletin
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that aerial bombardment continues across Lebanon, especially in densely populated areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, causing extensive damage and displacement. He reiterated the need to avoid the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas.
UNICEF reported that Lebanese children are now facing the bloodiest phase of the war, and said that more than 80% of all children killed in Lebanon over the past year have died in the past 50 days. Yesterday - in one day - 13 children were killed in 3 separate Israeli airstrikes on Mount Lebanon Governorate, according to what the Lebanese authorities told the United Nations.
Lebanese authorities also reported that more than 14,000 people have been injured since October last year. This is placing additional burdens on Lebanon’s already overburdened health system.
Renewed call for cessation of hostilities
During a three-day visit to Lebanon, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix renewed his call for a cessation of hostilities and stressed the UN’s support for diplomatic efforts to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701.
In Lebanon, Lacroix met with members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of countries contributing troops to the UNIFIL peacekeeping force. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Lacroix would travel to Israel tomorrow, Friday, to meet with officials there.
Dujarric expressed deep concern about the continued exchange of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. He said the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had recorded 13 airstrikes across its area of ​​operations between midnight and noon today, local time in Lebanon.
UNIFIL reported ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and clashes with Hezbollah. UN peacekeepers also reported intense clashes, airstrikes and indirect fire in the Shama area (Sector West). IDF activities continued east of UNIFIL’s area of ​​operations with clashes near Houla. The UN spokesman reminded all parties of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of its premises at all times. Dujarric said the UN was aware of media reports and allegations from the parties regarding incursions outside the peacekeeping mission’s area of ​​operations in both Lebanon and Israel. He expressed grave concern about the worsening impact on civilians and condemned the loss of life. The spokesman stressed the need for the parties to the conflict to comply with international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. He said the UN continues to support efforts towards a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution.