UN Official: Israel Displaces One-Fifth of Lebanon's Population in a Month... 3 Million Displaced in Iran

SadaNews - Israeli wide and violent attacks on Lebanon have led to the displacement of more than one million people over the past month, equivalent to about one-fifth of the country's population, according to a UN official.

UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch stated that the situation in Lebanon is "extremely alarming," and that the humanitarian conditions are deteriorating daily due to the ongoing Israeli attacks.

Israel has escalated its aggression against Lebanon since March 2, following the repercussions of the war waged in conjunction with Washington against Iran, which began on February 28, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries.

Baloch added, "In the past month (March), we have witnessed Israeli evacuation orders followed by attacks, leading to continuous movement of the population within Lebanon."

He noted that the escalation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon has resulted in the displacement of more than a million people, most of whom are living in dire conditions and have experienced psychological trauma.

The UN official pointed out that the displaced individuals are residing in collective shelters under harsh living conditions.

200,000 People Left Lebanon

Baloch mentioned that the UNHCR and its humanitarian partners are providing assistance to the displaced in Lebanon, indicating that relief supplies have been distributed to approximately 200,000 individuals.

He emphasized that the continuation of the escalation affects the Lebanese people and the Syrian refugees in the country, leading to an increase in humanitarian needs.

He explained that this situation has driven more than 200,000 people to cross into Syria over the past month.

He noted that about 180,000 of the crossers are Syrian refugees, while the number of Lebanese who entered Syria exceeds 20,000.

He added, "On average, about 7,000 individuals, both Lebanese and Syrians, cross into Syria daily, and this is a very difficult situation for civilians."

Baloch continued that humanitarian workers are also facing difficult and dangerous conditions while carrying out their tasks.

He affirmed that the UNHCR, despite all the challenges, will continue its presence in Lebanon, reminding that it has launched a humanitarian call along with relief organizations to raise over $60 million to support ongoing aid in Lebanon.

He added that more than $300 million is needed in the coming months to support the displaced Lebanese and affected Syrian refugees.

3 Million Displaced Inside Iran

Baloch addressed the situation in Iran, noting that local estimates indicate that more than 3 million people have been displaced within the country over the past month.

He explained that Iran also hosts about 1.6 million Afghan refugees who fled their country in search of safety.

He reported that no significant migration movement from Iran to neighboring countries has been recorded so far, clarifying that the numbers heading to Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan remain at levels that were present before the escalation.

He added that the UNHCR is receiving distress calls from Afghan refugees within Iran, who have been severely affected by the ongoing war.

He confirmed that the UNHCR has requested $80 million in funding to support those affected in Iran, aiming to assist about 2.8 million people, including 1.8 million Afghan refugees.