Israeli assault creates unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, says prime minister

By Anadolu staff

BEIRUT (AA) – Israel’s ongoing onslaught has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Thursday.

"The (Israeli) attacks on the health sector are a clear violation of the international law," Mikati added in his opening speech at an international conference hosted by France on the situation in Lebanon.

The conference aims at raising funds and mobilizing humanitarian aid for Lebanon amid Israel’s attacks on the country.

Mikati said the Israeli assault has displaced around 1.4 million people across the country.

Israel has mounted a huge air campaign in Lebanon since last month against what it says are Hezbollah targets in an escalation from a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the group since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on Gaza.

At least 2,574 people have been killed and more than 12,000 injured in Israeli attacks since October last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 this year by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar