UN: More than 1 Million People Displaced in Lebanon, One Third of Them Children

Israeli attack on Beirut Lebanon/DOK © WFP/Alfredo Zúniga

JAKARTA - The United Nations has warned that almost a third of the more than 1 million refugees in Lebanon are children as Israel's attacks increase.

"Last night until early morning, Israeli attacks in central Beirut reportedly caused additional casualties," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq as reported by ANTARA.

According to him, residential areas were also targeted so that a multi-storey building collapsed.

Stressing the attack on health facilities, Haq said local authorities reported three government hospitals were severely damaged and health workers were injured.

He said more than 1 million people were now displaced, including some 367,000 children.

The battle between Israeli forces and armed groups in Lebanon has shown no sign of abating.

Citing the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Haq reported a drastic deterioration in the security situation in its area of operations.

He noted intense firefights, increased air and ground activity, and an increase in Israeli forces in Lebanon.

The UN has also voiced concern over Israel's latest evacuation order which has impacted civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.

"We continue to call for de-escalation and urge all parties to utilize diplomatic channels and recommit to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701," Haq said.

Israel expanded its military offensive in Lebanon after US and Israeli forces launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28.

On March 2, the Hezbollah group attacked a military site in northern Israel in response to Israel's attack on Lebanon.