Reports & Researches

Since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon on September 17 and 21, 2024, displacement crisis has increasingly exacerbated with over one million individuals had to flee homes, according to Save the Children Organization. Equivalent to fifth of the population had to escape the indiscriminate attacks of the Israeli forces for the past four days.[1]

The closure of over 37 healthcare centers and hospitals, has placed immense pressure on the healthcare system. In southern Lebanon, several hospitals had to shut down due to heavy shelling, including Marjaayoun Governmental Hospital, Mais Al-Jabal Hospital, Bint Jbeil Hospital, and Salah Ghandour Hospital. Airstrikes also destroyed 25 water facilities, cutting off clean water access for 300,000 people. Save the Children’s report on Lebanon also mentioned the challenges shelters face in accommodating displaced families.

Amid these challenging conditions, over 154,000 of the one million displaced people have taken shelter in 851 temporary sites, including public schools. About 70% of these schools are operating at full capacity, though many lack access to water and essential living supplies, as they are not designed to accommodate large numbers of displaced individuals. Many others are staying with host families, often in severely overcrowded conditions. Urgent needs for the displaced include access to water, other items like hygiene products, household and cleaning supplies, as well as baby formula, diapers, pillows, blankets, and medication for chronic diseases.

Israeli airstrikes have killed almost 2,000 people, including 127 children, and left 9,384 others injured, according to statement by Dr. Firas Al-Abiad, Lebanon’s Minister of Public Health in a press conference at Baabda Governmental University Hospital [2]. These are the deadliest attacks since 2006, with airstrikes hitting various towns across Lebanon, including areas in the south, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

These developments highlight the critical importance of upholding international humanitarian law, which prohibits indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, as well as direct targeting of civilians and essential infrastructure. Deploying explosive weapons in heavily populated residential areas is a breach of international law and amounts to a war crime.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed deep concern regarding the rising hostilities in the Middle East, warning that the situation could escalate into a "humanitarian and rights catastrophe" that would impact the entire region. The Commission reported that tens of thousands of homes in Lebanon have been destroyed, and many medical facilities have been damaged, resulting in the closure of 10% of health centers. Furthermore, UNIFIL has stated that any breach of Lebanese borders is a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and contravenes United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.[3]

Given the challenging circumstances and the ongoing attacks, Lebanon is facing serious challenges that require immediate international intervention to alleviate civilian suffering and safeguard their rights. It is crucial to prioritize the respect for international humanitarian law and to uphold Lebanon's sovereignty and stability in the current situation. Moreover, delivering urgent assistance to displaced individuals and meeting their basic needs, along with pursuing lasting solutions to their challenges, has become vital as the situation deteriorates and threatens the stability of the entire region.

In response to the humanitarian challenges resulting from Israeli aggression against Lebanon, the Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness) urges the following:

1. Provide protection for displaced civilians in Lebanon, those residing in areas that are at risk due to Israeli attacks. There must be a commitment to upholding international humanitarian law which prohibits the targeting of civilians and infrastructure.

2. Conduct an international investigation into the violations against civilians in Lebanon, including attacks on residential areas and infrastructure, while holding accountable those responsible for these crimes according to international standards.

3. Provide water, food, and clothing in shelters and temporary housing centers, ensuring the necessary support is available to help displaced individuals live under these difficult circumstances.

4. Support health system so that hospitals can deal with the increasing number of patients and injured people.

Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)

October 5, 2024