UN calls Lebanon strikes ‘horrific’ as regional condemnation mounts

08/04/2026

BEIRUT, Apr 8: The United Nations has warned that the scale of killing and destruction in Lebanon following a wave of Israeli airstrikes is “nothing short of horrific,” with rights chief Volker Türk urging urgent international action to end what he described as a “nightmare” for civilians.

More than 100 airstrikes were reported across Lebanon on Wednesday, with UN humanitarian coordinator Imran Riza saying displacement orders now affect 15.5% of the country’s territory. He also highlighted growing pressure on healthcare systems, citing over 100 attacks on medical facilities that have left dozens dead and injured, while calling for increased funding to a $308 million UN emergency appeal that remains significantly underfunded.

The strikes have drawn sharp condemnation across the region. Egypt accused Israel of acting with “premeditated intent” to undermine de-escalation efforts and warned the attacks risk dragging the region into “total chaos.” Oman described the strikes as “war crimes” and a violation of international law, urging the global community to take action and hold Israel accountable. Kuwait condemned Israeli occupation attacks on Lebanon

Meanwhile, the Lebanese army announced the closure of a vital bridge in southern Lebanon following what it described as an Israeli threat to target it. The bridge is the last remaining crossing over the Litani River in the Tyre area, after previous strikes destroyed several others, further isolating communities in the south amid ongoing hostilities.