UN Secretary-General António Guterres has launched a major humanitarian appeal during a solidarity visit to Lebanon, calling for urgent international support as the country faces the devastating effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis. Speaking in Beirut, he said that solidarity with the people of Lebanon must go beyond words and be matched with immediate action, stressing that the escalating military conflict across the region is taking a severe toll on the country. He warned that the humanitarian situation has worsened rapidly, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
According to the UN chief, hundreds of civilians have been killed, including many children, while entire communities have been displaced as the conflict continues to intensify. He described how lives across Lebanon have been turned upside down, with people forced to flee their homes and normal life severely disrupted. The crisis has not only uprooted families but has also placed immense strain on communities already facing insecurity and hardship.
Essential services across the country have been seriously affected by the conflict. Access to food, clean water, healthcare, education, and other basic services has been dangerously disrupted, while evacuation orders have expanded to more areas of Lebanon than ever before. In addition to internal displacement, the crisis has also triggered cross-border movement, with more than 90,000 people—mostly Syrians, but also Lebanese nationals—crossing into Syria in search of safety.
Guterres stressed that the success of the newly launched humanitarian appeal will depend on swift and flexible funding, as well as safe access for humanitarian workers to reach those in urgent need. He noted that while the appeal focuses on immediate lifesaving needs over the next three months, Lebanon will continue to require sustained international solidarity and support well beyond the current emergency phase. He made clear that the scale of suffering demands a much stronger response from the global community.
The UN chief also called for an immediate ceasefire, saying that both sides must accept a halt to hostilities in order to create conditions for negotiations and restore stability. He said a ceasefire is essential not only to stop the immediate violence but also to help Lebanon move toward a future where its territorial integrity is respected and the state fully holds the monopoly on the use of force. He added that the United Nations stands ready to support the Lebanese government in this process.
Despite the severity of the crisis, Guterres praised the remarkable solidarity being shown within Lebanon itself. He highlighted the country’s long history of welcoming people fleeing conflict and said Lebanon has demonstrated extraordinary hospitality, resilience, and compassion over the years. He also pointed to the courage of local communities, including schools that have opened their doors to displaced families and health workers who continue to provide care under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.
UN agencies and humanitarian partners are already working closely with national authorities to deliver urgent relief, including hot meals, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies, and other essential items. Guterres said these efforts are already saving lives but urgently need a significant increase in support to match the scale of needs. The new flash appeal is intended to sustain and expand lifesaving assistance over the next three months, covering food, clean water, healthcare, education, protection, and other critical services for people affected by the crisis.
