Beirut, Lebanon – The United Nations has warned of severe humanitarian consequences arising from the ongoing military escalation by Israel in Lebanon, saying civilians are facing growing violence, displacement and loss of life.

In a statement, Imran Riza, the UN Deputy Special and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, expressed deep concern over the widening scope of hostilities and displacement orders by Israeli forces affecting several areas, including Tyre, Nabatieh, and regions south of the Zahrani River.

Riza said the broad and often unclear nature of evacuation orders were intensifying fear among residents and forcing thousands of families to make difficult decisions in their search for safety.

According to field reports, civilians have been harmed while attempting to flee areas covered by evacuation orders. Air strikes and military operations have also hampered the efforts of emergency responders seeking to reach the wounded and those trapped beneath rubble.

The UN official stressed that continued displacement is deepening the suffering of affected communities despite hopes raised by the announcement of a ceasefire. He noted that shelters have reached full capacity, while many schools remain occupied by displaced families, depriving children of access to education.

Riza also voiced concern over the threat posed to Lebanon’s cultural heritage by the ongoing hostilities, particularly the historic Tyre Archaeological Site, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site.

During a recent visit to Tyre, Riza met with displaced families who called for an immediate de-escalation and a genuine cessation of hostilities, enabling them to return to their homes and begin rebuilding their lives.

11 children killed, injured every 24 hours

Another UN agency, Unicef has also warned that children in Lebanon continue to face grave risks despite a ceasefire, reporting that 77 children were killed or injured in the past week alone as Israeli military operations intensified.

Ricardo Perez, spokesman for Unicef, said the agency recorded an average of 11 child casualties every 24 hours during the past seven days. Since the ceasefire took effect in April, 55 children have been killed and 212 injured, according to the UN agency.

“The toll is horrific,” Perez said, highlighting the continuing impact of the conflict on civilians, particularly children.

France requests Security Council emergency meeting on Lebanon

France has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council after Israeli forces expanded their ground operations and seized the medieval Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, the French foreign minister said on Sunday.

“I have requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council because, while we recognise Israel’s right, like that of all countries, to self-defence… nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory,” Jean-Noel Barrot said.