The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed “tremendous outrage” over the tragedy that befell residential areas in Lebanon, which was embodied in the heavy human losses and massive destruction as a result of the escalation in the intensity of military operations.
The head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, Agnès Dor, said: “People across Lebanon were anticipating a ceasefire agreement, but the wave of deadly strikes plunged the country into a state of panic and chaos. Many had begun to think about the moment they would return to their homes, and today they found themselves rushing to the streets and hospitals in search of their missing loved ones, or a safety that was getting further and further away.”
The committee confirmed in a statement that massive explosive weapons with a wide destructive scope were used in densely populated civilian areas, including the capital, Beirut, without effective warning. She explained that the attacks that targeted densely populated neighborhoods during broad daylight resulted in the death of more than a hundred people and the injury of hundreds, including women, children, and health sector workers, while some are still missing or trapped under the rubble.
She pointed out that the Lebanese Red Cross, her partner, is leading the relief efforts, as its teams rushed to evacuate the victims and transfer the wounded to hospitals despite the difficult conditions and the closure of roads due to rubble. In an exceptional step, the Lebanese Red Cross deployed 100 ambulances throughout the country to reach civilians.
The committee added that it is working in close cooperation with the local authorities and the Lebanese Red Cross to support the medical response, in light of the enormous pressure on health facilities due to the influx of infected people. It has also begun sending urgent medical supplies and weapon injury treatment kits to hospitals, in addition to providing necessary equipment and support to ambulance services.
She stressed that any comprehensive settlement in the region must guarantee the safety, protection, and dignity of civilians in Lebanon, stressing that after more than five weeks of conflict, the population desperately needs a period of calm away from violence.
The ICRC concluded its statement by renewing its urgent call to all parties to protect and respect civilians and civilian property in the context of military operations.
