Gate News message, April 15 — Ten countries, including Canada, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement on April 14 expressing deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon and calling for an immediate cessation of all hostilities. The statement, signed by Canada, Brazil, Australia, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the UK, emphasized the need to respect and protect humanitarian workers assisting the most vulnerable populations and to stop attacks against them. It condemned “in the strongest terms” actions that have resulted in the deaths of UN peacekeepers and significantly increased risks to humanitarian workers in southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed 2,055 people and injured 6,588 since hostilities reignited on March 2. The statement stressed the importance of holding accountable those who violate international law by harming humanitarian workers or obstructing their activities.