Speaking at a virtual news conference on August 20, Riza highlighted that approximately 3.7 million people in Lebanon are in urgent need of assistance. He emphasized the critical need for de-escalation, noting that tensions in the region have reached their highest level in recent weeks.

"The urgency of de-escalating tensions cannot be overstated," Riza said, quoted by Turkish news agency Anadolu, underscoring the precariousness of the situation.

Impact of ongoing conflict

The ongoing conflict along the Blue Line, which marks the border between southern Lebanon and northern Israel, has led to significant displacement. Riza reported that nearly 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to the cross-border exchanges of fire. Of these, over 110,000 individuals are displaced within Lebanon.

The situation in South Lebanon is particularly dire, with recent shelling and airstrikes resulting in the deaths of at least 130 civilians, including 10 Syrian nationals over the past weekend.

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Humanitarian needs and response

Riza also provided an overview of the broader humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. The 3.7 million people in need include not only Lebanese nationals but also Syrian and Palestinian refugees, as well as other migrants.

Despite the severe lack of funding, with only 25 percent of the UN's annual appeal met so far, Riza commended the efforts of the humanitarian community. These efforts have provided assistance to 1 million people in Lebanon in 2024 alone. However, the need remains urgent and vast.

"We need $110 million to finance the ongoing response for up to 290,000 conflict-affected people in Lebanon," Riza stated. He reiterated the necessity of finding a diplomatic and political solution to the crisis, warning that a full-scale war in Lebanon would have devastating consequences.

Also read: Number of 2023 humanitarian emergencies highest in decade, UNHCR

Escalation of hostilities

The fears of a full-fledged war between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah group have been growing amid the ongoing exchange of cross-border attacks. Tensions have further escalated following the July 30 assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

The escalation is set against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza, launched after the attack of Hamas militants in Israel on October 7, 2023.

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