UN official fears Lebanon faces Gaza-like devastation amid Israeli attacks

A senior United Nations humanitarian official has voiced grave concerns over the escalating violence in Lebanon, fearing a potential devastation mirroring that of Gaza. Tom Fletcher, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, stated he is "terrified" by the prospect of Lebanon facing similar destruction.

“

Having seen that situation in Gaza, I am horrified by the idea that any other place could face such devastation. And, therefore, I find the threats we have heard that Lebanon will also be reduced to the state of Gaza very chilling.

Fletcher's comments came during a feminist foreign policy conference in Madrid. He described the situation as a "terrifying moment of violence and impunity" where Israeli ministers issue "chilling threats." He noted that Israel has intensified its attacks in southern Lebanon this week, targeting areas like Nabatieh and Sour, where recent strikes near a hospital resulted in casualties.

The humanitarian chief highlighted the immense challenges in delivering aid to Lebanon's southern regions. "We are seeing enormous amounts of forced displacement right now, particularly from southern Lebanon," Fletcher said. He explained that security conditions are making it increasingly difficult to transport aid convoys to civilians trapped in the conflict zones. "Hundreds of thousands of civilians are on the move," he added, with many attempting to reach Beirut or northern Lebanon, areas also under threat.

“

We are seeing enormous amounts of forced displacement right now, particularly from southern Lebanon, and the security conditions down there are making it increasingly difficult for us to get our aid convoys on the road to where they need to be, to where civilians are trapped.

Compounding the crisis, Fletcher pointed to funding cuts and resource shortages, which severely hamper efforts to provide essential supplies like food, medicine, and shelter. He also condemned the targeting of humanitarian workers assisting civilians. Lebanese authorities have reported thousands of deaths and injuries since Israel resumed its offensive in March.

“

We are living through a terrifying moment of violence and impunity when ministers (Israeli) can issue those kinds of chilling threats in the way they are doing.