Civilians pay a heavy price as war in Lebanon drives death, displacement, UN says

RiddleMaster · 2026-03-17T11:03:16+00:00

The ongoing war in Lebanon is causing severe civilian casualties and displacement, with over 800 reported dead and 800,000 more displaced. The UN warns that the situation is rapidly worsening, with many fleeing with little more than the clothes on their backs.

RiddleMaster

2026-03-17 11:03:16

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GENEVA, March 17 (Reuters) - Civilians are paying a heavy price as the war in Lebanon continues ‌to expand, driving death, injuries and displacement the United Nations said on Tuesday.

“Displacement is increasing incredibly quickly. Right now, hundreds of thousands of people ⁠left their homes. Many leaving with very little, just the clothes they were wearing,” said the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza.

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A man carries a ladder next to a damaged building in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in central Beirut, targeting what Israel said is a Hezbollah-affiliated bank, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Beirut, Lebanon, March 15, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Greco Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

Lebanon was sucked into the war in the Middle East on March 2 when Hezbollah opened fire at ‌Israel, ⁠saying it aimed to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Israel has responded with an offensive that has killed more ⁠than 800 people in Lebanon and forced more than 800,000 from their homes.

Almost a ⁠fifth of people living in Lebanon are now registered as displaced, according ⁠to Lebanese government figures, with displacement set to increase, the U.N. said.

Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin Editing by Madeline Chambers

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