Statement on escalating violence in Lebanon
24 September 2024We are deeply disturbed by the escalation of violence in Lebanon. Civilians, especially children must be protected and must never be targeted.
Following the escalation of conflict in southern Lebanon, which has seen thousands of families, including children, women and older people fleeing for safety to Beirut, mount Lebanon and the north, Rachel Challita, Advocacy & Influencing Manager, Plan International Lebanon said:
“We are deeply disturbed by the escalation of violence in Lebanon, reports that 492 people have been killed and over 1,645 injured including children, women and paramedics in the strikes in southern Lebanon. Civilians, especially children must be protected and must never be targeted – it is international humanitarian law and it must be respected.
“Parents in Beruit, Bekaa and Baalback rushed to collect their children from school not long after dropping them off, after receiving messages warning them to leave the area and many school have been forced to shut down again today. Children have a right to an education, free from the threat of violence.
“The cross-border attacks have seen over 111,000 people in Lebanon become displaced since October – living in temporary shelter for almost a year with some children unable to continue their schooling. Children deserve to enjoy their childhood. Overnight more people have been forced to flee their homes – stuck in their cars overnight with their children whilst they desperately looking for a safer place. We are looking at how best to provide humanitarian assistance to the increasing numbers of displaced people but we urgently need to see an immediate ceasefire in the region.”
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