Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, the third airstrike on the capital just this month, is yet another reminder that the ceasefire has not brought a lasting peace for people in Lebanon, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has warned.
“The continued violations threaten the stability of the ceasefire agreed last year, and risk damaging the safety and wellbeing of civilians across the country,” said Maureen Philippon, NRC’s country director in Lebanon. “International guarantors of this agreement must not allow the dark days of death, destruction, and displacement to return.”
Despite the ceasefire, agreed on 27th November 2024, military activities by the Israeli military have continued, including artillery shelling, repeated airstrikes and airspace violations, affecting villages and cities across the country. According to the UN, 71 civilians have been killed by Israel since the ceasefire took effect.
“Civilians across Lebanon are still recovering from months of extremely violent escalation by Israel, which claimed thousands of lives and left many areas in ruins. Hundreds of thousands of people from villages close to the border are still unable to go back home, either because of the level of destruction or Israel occupying positions inside Lebanon and preventing returns,” added Philippon.
NRC calls on state guarantors of the cessation of hostilities agreement, and governments with influence, to use their leverage to contain the renewed tensions and ensure that all parties fully respect and implement the ceasefire agreement, allowing the truce to evolve into lasting peace and a firm commitment to protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Notes to editors
• A conditional 60-day cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between Israel and Lebanon on 27 November, ending 14 months of conflict that began in October 2023.
• The toll of the conflict has been devastating, with 1.2 million people displaced, 4,267 killed, and 17,579 injured. Recovery and reconstruction needs are estimated at US$11 billion, according to the World Bank. (OCHA) (World Bank)
• Military activities by the Israeli Army have not stopped despite the ceasefire agreement, including artillery shelling, airstrikes, and airspace violations affecting both southern and northern areas of the Litani River. (OCHA)
• Within a month, Israel targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs three times: the first strike took place on 28 March, followed by another on 1 April and a third on 27 April. (AP)
• Over 2740 violations of the ceasefire by Israeli forces and at least one by armed groups in Lebanon have been reported.(AP)
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
- Ahmed Bayram, Middle East and North Africa regional media advisor: ahmed.bayram@nrc.no, +962 790 160 147
“The continued violations threaten the stability of the ceasefire agreed last year, and risk damaging the safety and wellbeing of civilians across the country,” said Maureen Philippon, NRC’s country director in Lebanon. “International guarantors of this agreement must not allow the dark days of death, destruction, and displacement to return.”
Despite the ceasefire, agreed on 27th November 2024, military activities by the Israeli military have continued, including artillery shelling, repeated airstrikes and airspace violations, affecting villages and cities across the country. According to the UN, 71 civilians have been killed by Israel since the ceasefire took effect.
“Civilians across Lebanon are still recovering from months of extremely violent escalation by Israel, which claimed thousands of lives and left many areas in ruins. Hundreds of thousands of people from villages close to the border are still unable to go back home, either because of the level of destruction or Israel occupying positions inside Lebanon and preventing returns,” added Philippon.
NRC calls on state guarantors of the cessation of hostilities agreement, and governments with influence, to use their leverage to contain the renewed tensions and ensure that all parties fully respect and implement the ceasefire agreement, allowing the truce to evolve into lasting peace and a firm commitment to protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Notes to editors
• A conditional 60-day cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between Israel and Lebanon on 27 November, ending 14 months of conflict that began in October 2023.
• The toll of the conflict has been devastating, with 1.2 million people displaced, 4,267 killed, and 17,579 injured. Recovery and reconstruction needs are estimated at US$11 billion, according to the World Bank. (OCHA) (World Bank)
• Military activities by the Israeli Army have not stopped despite the ceasefire agreement, including artillery shelling, airstrikes, and airspace violations affecting both southern and northern areas of the Litani River. (OCHA)
• Within a month, Israel targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs three times: the first strike took place on 28 March, followed by another on 1 April and a third on 27 April. (AP)
• Over 2740 violations of the ceasefire by Israeli forces and at least one by armed groups in Lebanon have been reported.(AP)
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
- Ahmed Bayram, Middle East and North Africa regional media advisor: ahmed.bayram@nrc.no, +962 790 160 147