Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Humanity & Inclusion Calls for Safe Passage and Protection of Vulnerable Groups

HI acknowledges the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and calls on all parties to make it hold. More than six weeks of unrelenting violence have claimed over 2,000 lives in Lebanon, displaced more than one million persons (nearly one in five of the estimated population), and caused immense destruction and suffering. This pause offers a needed respite for affected populations.

Vulnerable people, including older persons and people with disabilities, as well as those newly injured, continue to face significant difficulties in accessing healthcare, rehabilitation, and inclusive services. HI calls for a scaled-up humanitarian response and for safe, unimpeded access for all people in need of humanitarian aid.

As displaced people may begin returning to their homes, HI reminds that explosive ordnance contamination represents a deadly threat to communities, as many munitions, bombs, artillery shells, and rockets failed to detonate during the conflict and remained buried in fields, rubble, homes, and roadsides. Risk education sessions for the population and ordnance clearance operations will be vital to ensure that people can return safely. 

Spokespersons are available for interviews upon request.