Lebanon: Flash Update #20 - Escalation of hostilities in south Lebanon, as of 13 June 2024

HIGHLIGHT

• 95,228 individuals (50% females) have been displaced from south Lebanon due to the ongoing hostilities as of 11 June (source: DTM).

• 1,686 casualties have been reported, including 414 deaths. Among these, at least 95 civilian deaths have been confirmed (source: OHCHR, MoPH).

• On 11 June, an Israeli airstrike in Naqoura led to the death of an employee of the South Lebanon Water Corporation.

• On 5 June, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Israel’s widespread use of white phosphorus in south Lebanon is putting civilians at grave risk and contributing to civilian displacement. HRW verified the use of white phosphorus munitions by Israeli forces in at least 17 municipalities across south Lebanon since October 2023.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Lebanon continues to be impacted by the current hostilities, with daily exchanges of fire across the country’s southern border. The most intense bombardment remains concentrated in areas within 10 km of the border, while targeted Israeli airstrikes extend far into the country. Attacks have caused severe damage to water, electricity, and telecoms infrastructure as well as roads in southern Lebanon, and have killed maintenance and repair workers, alongside medics and first responders, as they attempt to ensure service to the area’s remaining residents.

To date, at least 95 civilians have been killed since hostilities escalated in October 2023. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the total number of casualties since October 8, 2023, stands at 1,686, including 414 fatalities.

• On 11 June, an Israeli airstrike targeted a motorcycle in Naqoura, killing one civilian.

• On 11 June, an Israeli drone strike on Kafra (Bint Jbeil) injured a mother and her two sons, whose conditions stabilized after their hospitalization.

• On 8 June, Israeli airstrikes targeted a motorcycle in Aitaroun, killing two individuals.

• On 2 June, Israeli artillery targeted a residential area in Houla, killing two civilians.

• On 31 May, an Israeli drone targeted an ambulance in El Naqoura. An emergency responder was killed, and another was injured. As of 11 June, 95,228 people have been internally displaced and are seeking refuge across Lebanon, with 96 per cent originating from Bint Jbeil, Marjaayoun, and Tyre districts.

Since February 2024, and up to 31 May, 40 humanitarian aid missions have been conducted to towns and villages along the frontline, where around 60,000 civilians are still present, according to available data.