Over 370,000 children are among those displaced in Lebanon following intensified Israeli strikes and evacuation orders, UN officials reported Friday. This displacement, occurring in just three weeks, marks one of the fastest and largest in the country’s history. More than 250,000 people have fled Lebanon in the last two weeks, including 125,000 crossing into Syria.
The conflict began after Hezbollah fired into Israel in support of Tehran on March 2, prompting heavy Israeli air strikes and a ground assault. Israeli forces have ordered evacuations across approximately 15% of Lebanon, including the entire south. Over 100,000 people are currently in temporary shelters.
Lebanon’s Culture Minister described Israel’s actions as an “invasion,” citing destroyed villages and over one million displaced people. The Prime Minister warned that Israeli actions and statements threaten Lebanese sovereignty and violate international law.
Reports indicate three million Iranians and at least one million Lebanese have been forced from their homes due to attacks. Displaced families are reportedly “living in constant fear” under ongoing bombardment, according to the UN Refugee Agency.