Visiting Beirut on Friday in a show of solidarity, Guterres warned that the number of those uprooted is expected to rise sharply as the conflict continues to spill across borders.

“I am here on a visit of solidarity with the people of Lebanon,” he said. “Solidarity in words must be matched by solidarity in action. This aid is urgently needed. The military escalation across the region is taking a terrible toll, including in Lebanon.”

Guterres said hundreds of civilians, including many children, have been killed since the fighting escalated in late February. Entire communities have been forced to flee as access to food, water, healthcare, education and basic services collapses under the strain of airstrikes and evacuation orders now covering more territory than ever before.

More than 90 000 people, mostly Syrian refugees but also Lebanese citizens, have crossed into Syria seeking safety. Guterres stressed that the appeal can only succeed if donors act swiftly and if humanitarian workers have safe, unhindered access to affected areas. “These are immediate needs, but there will be a lot that Lebanon needs in solidarity from the international community,” he said.

Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Guterres said both sides must halt hostilities to create conditions for negotiations that would preserve Lebanon’s territorial integrity and reinforce the State’s authority.

Guterres praised the resilience of ordinary Lebanese who have opened schools as shelters and continued essential services despite constant danger. He said Lebanon, long a refuge for those fleeing conflict, now urgently requires global support in return.UN agencies and humanitarian partners are delivering hot meals, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and emergency assistance across the country. “These efforts are saving lives, but they need a big boost of support,” Guterres said.

–UN/ChannelAfrica–