Lebanon ceasefire "far too late" for thousands already killed

• Published:
• Short URL: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/mc/8b7wt9/

A 10-day ceasefire has been announced in Lebanon following weeks of violence. Whilst Oxfam welcomes the news it's warning that a short-term halt to hostilities will do little to address the scale of need or allow people to safely return and rebuild their lives.

Reacting to the announcement, Oxfam country director Bachir Ayoub said:

"The announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon is desperately needed but must result in an end to the killing and forced displacement of civilians.

"Once again, it has come far too late for the thousands Israel has killed and maimed, for the families now grieving, and for the millions whose homes, livelihoods and communities have been deliberately destroyed."

Oxfam staff in the south of Beirut distributing hygiene kits and menstrual health management kits to people who have been displaced by the escalating conflict. Photo: Ghiwa Abihaidar / Oxfam

A female Oxfam colleague in the south of Beirut unloading a box of hygiene kits and menstrual health management kits ready to distribute to displaced people.

"A 10-day pause will not allow the 1.3 million people who have been forcibly displaced because of Israel’s relentless bombardment and invasion of the country to go back to their homes and rebuild their lives, or for all those who have lived under the ever-constant threat of Israeli drones and bombs.

"Lebanon needs a full, unconditional and permanent ceasefire that all parties adhere to. One that ends Israel’s occupation in Lebanon and guarantees the immediate withdrawal of all Israeli forces. Humanitarian aid must reach communities without obstruction, and reparations must follow so people can return and rebuild their lives with dignity."

Image: Oxfam

A map of Lebanon and Occupied Palestinian Territory

"Powerful states must learn lessons and finally end Israel’s decades of impunity from international law violations. The collapse of the world’s systems and order, and aiding and abetting Israel’s genocide in Gaza enabled this disastrous, yet inevitable, escalation which has been catastrophic for millions of people."

A female Oxfam colleague in the south of Beirut unloading a box of hygiene kits and menstrual health management kits ready to distribute to displaced people.

Oxfam staff in the south of Beirut distributing hygiene kits and menstrual health management kits to people who have been displaced by the escalating conflict. Photo: Ghiwa Abihaidar / Oxfam

Donate to the Middle East Appeal

Press contact

For comments, interviews, or information please contact the Oxfam GB Media Team: