Press Release

UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert Statement on Attack in Lebanon

17 September 2024

  • Beirut,17 September 2024: The Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, deplores today’s attack across Lebanon which left thousands injured, many critically, and is confirmed to have killed at least nine, including children.

In accordance with international humanitarian law, she reminds all concerned actors that civilians are not a target and must be protected at all times. Even one civilian casualty is one too many.

The developments today mark an extremely concerning escalation in what is an already unacceptably volatile context. While the full impact of the attack is still unfolding, Hennis-Plasschaert urges all concerned actors to refrain from any further action, or bellicose rhetoric, which could trigger a wider conflagration that nobody can afford.

The Special Coordinator underlines the urgency of restoring calm and calls on all concerned actors to prioritize stability as paramount. Too much is at stake to do anything less.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

UNSCOL
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon
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Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is the current UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon. She brings to this position over 25 years of experience in diplomacy, international security and Middle East affairs. Prior to taking up her position in Lebanon, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI (2018-2024). Previously she was Minister of Defense of the Netherlands (2012-2017), a member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands (2010-2012), and a member of the European Parliament (2004-2010). Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also worked for the European Commission in Belgium and Latvia, as well as for the City of Amsterdam and in the private sector. She is proficient in English, French and German and is a native Dutch speaker.

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UNSCOL
Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon

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