Following the joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets on 28 February, the war in the region has escalated dramatically. In the meantime, Lebanon has once again become the focus of military conflict, which is affecting the Lebanese civilian population in particular. Misereor is deeply concerned about the increasing human suffering and calls on all parties to the conflict to show moderation and immediately renounce violence. Misereor's partners on the ground are preparing initial relief measures.
Misereor's partners are calling on the international community to return to the path of diplomacy and to address the causes of the conflict, even if this takes a long time. "We strongly condemn the fact that Lebanon is being dragged into this conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran and that the evacuation of dozens of villages is destroying people's lives and the country," says Sylvia Haddad from the Misereor partner organisation Joint Christian Committee.
Attacks as far as Beirut
After Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel last Sunday in retaliation for the killing of Iranian revolutionary leader Ali Khamenei, the Israeli army launched a comprehensive military attack on targets in Lebanon. These not only extend to the border area with Israel, but also to parts of the capital Beirut. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, which has been in place since November 2024, was fragile from the outset. The UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL reported more than 10,000 Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory.
Fear, destruction and despair
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating dramatically. According to official figures, more than 120 people have been killed and over 700 injured so far. Around 100,000 people have already fled within the country - more are expected. The 441 emergency shelters provided so far, for example in schools and churches, are already reaching their limits. "It is heartbreaking to see how the children in particular, but also the elderly, have been torn from their everyday lives and familiar surroundings. They are now literally on the streets and completely uncertain about their immediate future," reports Frank Wiegandt, head of the Misereor dialogue and liaison office in Lebanon, who is currently in Beirut.
Partner organisations provide emergency aid
The partner organisation Joint Christian Committee has already taken in the first families. The partner organisation CNEWA/Pontifical Mission is also preparing initial aid measures for internally displaced persons. Food, blankets, mattresses and hygiene products are urgently needed, especially for children, pregnant women and the elderly. Michel Constantin from CNEWA/Pontifical Mission says: "For those left behind, the situation is characterised by constant drone fire, loud explosions and the psychological consequences of the war."
Misereor calls for protection of the civilian population
Misereor is calling for an immediate end to the fighting and consistent protection of the civilian population and humanitarian organisations. Wiegandt emphasises: "The people of Lebanon must not once again become the victims of a regional conflict. Attacks that endanger civilians or lead to mass displacement violate international humanitarian law and must be stopped immediately."
