We unequivocally condemn any violence that claims innocent lives, displaces families, and devastates communities. All parties to this conflict must abide by international humanitarian law and take all steps possible to protect civilians.

The toll on Lebanon

In just the past two weeks, Israel’s attacks on Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people, including women and children. Over 6,000 have been injured, overwhelming Lebanon’s healthcare system. Entire families have been torn apart or killed, their homes destroyed, and their futures uncertain.

While numbers are still emerging, Lebanese authorities and the United Nations estimate about 1 million people have been displaced in search of safety, 90 percent in the past week alone. Many of them are living in dire conditions, without access to food, clean water, shelter, and medicine. Women, children and the elderly are especially affected by the lack of healthcare, schools, and protection.

The war’s effects on civilians in Lebanon is also deeply psychological and social. Following years of economic decline and political instability, and the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion, the current violence has left people suffering from profound fear, trauma and stress. Businesses have shuttered, jobs have vanished, and those still working must bear the strain of living in an active conflict zone.

Hivos in Lebanon

Hivos has been working in Lebanon since 2012, focusing on women and other marginalized communities, protecting civic space, and promoting climate justice. While Hivos and our partners’ staff in Lebanon are deeply affected, we remain committed to this work.

Further escalation in Lebanon means that civilians will continue to be displaced on both sides of the border. And worse: that we will continue to see an unacceptable loss of human life. But until the year-long assault on Gaza, which has not diminished while the world is focused on Lebanon, is brought to an end by a permanent ceasefire, we have little hope of seeing an end to the hostilities in Lebanon.

Hivos therefore calls on the international community, in particular the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations to take immediate action to end the violence in both the occupied Palestinian territory and Lebanon and use every diplomatic means available to bring about sustainable peace to all communities in the region. We urge global leaders, civil society, and international institutions to offer support to Lebanon and bring all those responsible for violations of international law to account.

We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the people of Lebanon in their pursuit of peace, dignity, and security. The resilience of Lebanon’s citizens deserves recognition, and we stand ready to assist in any way possible.