Source: UN News: Saturday, 18 April 2026 00:01 AM
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is dire due to the war, with more than 2,000 people reported killed since the beginning of March, health services overwhelmed and concerns growing about the situation of vulnerable groups, including pregnant women. Meanwhile, Israeli military forces have again issued immediate evacuation orders for communities south of Lebanon’s Zahrani River. Tension remains high in the Middle East, as Israeli military operations continue in Lebanon, a day after recent talks. An Israeli Forces (IDF) colonel issued this “urgent warning” in Arabic on the social media platform Move to the north side of the river. The Zahrani River is located north of the Litani River, which has been an important reference line in the previous stages of the war. Meeting in Washington DC Janine Hennis-Plaskhart, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, welcomed the meeting between Lebanon and Israel and called it an important step towards ending the ongoing war. Tweet URL
The meeting took place in Washington DC on Tuesday, which was the first direct contact between the two countries in almost three decades. The United States played the role of mediator in these talks. Hennis-Plaskhart expressed hope that this initiative would gradually build momentum that would break the cycle of war and move toward lasting stability for all. Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih expressed concern over the growing humanitarian needs in Lebanon due to the ongoing attacks between Israel and Hezbollah and appealed for continued support from the international community. Telecommunications network affected Lebanon’s telecommunications network is still functioning at the national level, but it is becoming increasingly weak under the pressure of the ongoing war. United Nations world food program (WFPAccording to the )-led Logistics and Telecommunications Group, infrastructure damage, fuel dependence and chronic financial pressures are increasing the risks to communications. Assessments in southern Lebanon have shown that access to reliable communications, electricity and information remains uneven among affected communities. Humanitarian teams have also called for the approval of satellite-based communications systems for relief operations, and insecure and inaccessible Emphasizing their importance in maintaining coordination across sectors and providing life-saving assistance. Attacks on Health Services Attacks on health services continue amid the ongoing war in Lebanon, raising serious concerns about access to life-saving services.World Health Organization (WHOAccording to WHO, there have been 133 attacks on health facilities and personnel since the war escalated, killing at least 87 and injuring nearly 200 health workers. Despite these challenges, health services are continuing, with medicines and vaccinations provided to thousands of displaced people. However, disruptions persist. Many primary health centers are closed and hospitals are under heavy pressure, especially in emergency and intensive care services. There is also growing concern about displaced pregnant women, as they are at increased risk due to overcrowded shelters, poor sanitation and limited access to maternal health services. Meanwhile, uncertainty remains in the Strait of Hormuz following the US-declared blockade of Iranian ports, raising fears of wider implications for regional stability and global trade.