7 November 2024 — Seven weeks into the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, indiscriminate Israeli attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, inadequate evacuation warnings and mass displacement orders continue to inflict widespread suffering on the civilian population, including women, children and other vulnerable groups. Such actions may constitute violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), including war crimes and crimes against humanity. These attacks can also amount to collectively punishing and harming entire communities, in violation of the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality, as well as undermining the protection of civilians.
We, the undersigned humanitarian organizations, urgently call for an immediate ceasefire.
IHL must be respected by all parties to the conflict to protect civilians. We also urge the international community to take robust actions to prevent further violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to hold perpetrators of violations of international law accountable. This is not merely a moral obligation; it is a legal imperative that has been neglected in Lebanon and across the region for too long.
As frontline responders in Lebanon, we are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts on civilian lives, with many internally displaced families still in search of safe shelters amidst ongoing airstrikes.
All vulnerable populations including children, women, the elderly, refugees, migrants, and individuals with disabilities—are disproportionately affected. Facing heightened risks of violence, displacement, and lack of access to essential services. The trauma inflicted on these groups not only jeopardizes their immediate safety but will lead to significant life-long psychological distress and threaten their long-term well-being.
Our Call to the International Community
Lebanon is now facing its worst humanitarian crisis in decades. We urgently call on the international community and responsible actors to fulfill their obligations under international law to protect civilians and prevent further harm.
Specifically, we urge:
1. An immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon – A ceasefire is the only viable solution to end the suffering of civilians, protect civilian lives and critical civilian infrastructure. We call on all parties to the conflict to put an end to the cycles of violence, and urgently allow humanitarian aid and critical interventions to respond to the massive needs of the population in Lebanon.
2. Protection of Civilian Lives and Infrastructure – All parties to the conflict must end and prevent attacks that indiscriminately or directly impact civilians and public infrastructure, including homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and water and electricity systems, which are essential for basic human survival and dignity.
3. An Immediate Halt to Arbitrary Displacement Orders - The international community must urgently pressure Israel to respect their obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, so as to prevent and avoid conditions that might lead to the arbitrary displacement of persons. Evacuation orders must be adequately and formally communicated, coordinated with humanitarian actors to prevent civilian casualties, displacement, and further destruction of homes and livelihoods. It is all parties to the conflict’s responsibility to ensure that civilians who decide to remain or cannot leave are protected. Immediate action is essential to uphold the right of displaced individuals to access basic services such as humanitarian aid and essential services, and to prevent further destruction of civilian infrastructure. Displaced individuals should then be allowed to return safely to their homes.
4. Safe and Unimpeded Humanitarian Access – The safe and secure passage of humanitarian and health workers or volunteers must be guaranteed, including in areas under displacement orders. Immediate, unrestricted access to food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and other essential resources is imperative to support those affected and prevent further suffering.
The global community cannot remain silent as civilians continue to bear the brunt of unchecked violence. We urge all relevant actors—including all Heads of States and Governments, the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and regional stakeholders— to take immediate steps to achieve an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and uphold international law. It is only by enforcing accountability and prioritizing the right to human life that the cycle of violence can be broken.
Notes to editors
For civilians in Lebanon, the consequences have been dire:
- Israeli forces have killed more than 3,002 people in Lebanon, including 558 people killed in a single day on 23 September 2024.
- Over 100 children have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in five weeks of war – an average of two children a day.
- More than 1.2 million have been forcibly displaced, leaving many without shelter and protective space or access to essential services.
- Israeli attacks have killed at least 163 health and rescue workers across Lebanon over the past year and damaged 158 ambulances and 51 emergency medical centers.
Additionally, 25 Primary Health Care Centers have been targeted. - Six out of 10 public schools across the country have been repurposed as shelters for the displaced.
- 25% of Lebanese territory is under displacement orders with directives ranging from area-specific warnings to mass displacement orders on entire villages which are insufficient, inadequate, and nearly impossible to comply with.
Signatories INGOS
- Danish Refugee Council
- INTERSOS
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Save the Children International