The United Nations announced Friday it will double its financial assistance request for Lebanon as humanitarian crises worsen during the ongoing regional conflict now in its fourth month.
The conflict expanded to include Lebanon in early March after the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia launched rocket attacks against Israel in support of Iran, which was facing U.S.-Israeli strikes. This action triggered a significant Israeli military response involving both air strikes and ground operations.
Lebanese officials report that Israeli attacks have resulted in more than 3,500 deaths since March 2, though their figures do not separate military personnel from civilian casualties.
Israeli authorities state that Hezbollah attacks have claimed the lives of 26 soldiers and four civilians on their side since the March escalation began.
The U.N. will work with Lebanon’s government Friday to launch an updated aid request seeking an extra $331.5 million to assist 1.4 million affected individuals, raising the complete appeal to $639.9 million.
As of May 31, the organization had collected $185.9 million toward its goals.
“In the past three months, communities across Lebanon have faced an appalling situation due to the escalation of hostilities,” stated U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, highlighting significant casualties, mass population displacement and severe infrastructure destruction.
“The toll on civilians is alarming and worsening by the day,” Riza added.
