Beirut – Greater international support is urgently needed to prevent the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Lebanon, says Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. During his visit to Beirut, Grandi called for solidarity and increased assistance to all those affected, both Lebanese and refugees. The ongoing conflict is disrupting the delivery of essential supplies, and it is crucial to keep supply routes open both within and outside Lebanon so that relief goods can continue to reach those in need.

During his visit, Grandi met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and other senior officials, humanitarian organizations, UN staff, and displaced families. “International humanitarian law must be respected and cannot be ignored,” Grandi emphasized. “Families have been left homeless, stranded outdoors, with children traumatized and unable to understand what is happening. Everyone I spoke to expressed a desperate desire to feel safe and for the airstrikes to stop so they can return to their towns and villages. It is a moral imperative to provide urgent aid to those affected by this recent escalation.”

After his visit to Lebanon, the High Commissioner is heading to Syria to meet with authorities as well as both Lebanese and Syrian refugees who have crossed the border.