As violence intensifies across Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of civilians are being forced to flee their homes, carrying only the few belongings they can manage. Families are leaving behind their communities, livelihoods, and memories in a desperate search for safety amid the escalating conflict.
During recent engagements with displaced families, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said he personally listened to the heartbreaking stories of those caught in the violence.
António Guterres stressed that civilians must never be the victims of war and called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law. He underscored that protecting innocent lives is a fundamental obligation in any conflict.
“The suffering of civilians is unacceptable,” he said, reiterating that people displaced by the fighting urgently need safety, humanitarian assistance, and hope for peace.
With the humanitarian crisis deepening, the UN chief renewed his appeal for an immediate end to the conflict, warning that continued violence will only worsen the plight of already vulnerable communities.
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Amid the escalation in Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of civilians are fleeing with nothing but what they can carry.
I met with several of them to listen to their heartbreaking stories.
Civilians must be respected & protected at all times.
This war must end. pic.twitter.com/vxhStwM2lU
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 14, 2026
