Press Release

Media Quote by UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza related to the unfolding events in South Lebanon

28 March 2024

  • Beirut, 28 March 2024 - Media quote by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, related to  the unfolding events in South Lebanon, where airstrikes have claimed numerous civilian lives.

Addressing the unfolding events in South Lebanon, where airstrikes have claimed numerous civilian lives, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, stated:

The tragic events of the past 36 hours have resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries in south Lebanon.

Up to 11 civilians were killed in a single day, including 10 paramedics.

I am deeply disturbed by the repeated attacks on health facilities and health workers who risk their lives to provide urgent assistance to their local communities.

Attacks on healthcare violate international humanitarian law and are unacceptable.

The rules of war are clear: civilians, including healthcare workers, must be protected.

Civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, must be protected.

Healthcare is not a target. Civilians are not a target.

-END-

Kawsar Fahs

OCHA
Senior Communications and Reporting Officer
Kristen Knutson

Kristen Knutson

OCHA
Acting Head of Office
Ms. Kristen Knutson has been the acting Head of Office for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Beirut, Lebanon since 29 January 2024. Kristen has more than 20 years of experience with the United Nations in the fields of humanitarian affairs and communications and has supported emergency response in many crises around the globe. Kristen holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota, and she is a national of the United States of America.

UN entities involved in this initiative

OCHA
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Goals we are supporting through this initiative