Kathleen Depoorter: “The Lebanese people must not become the forgotten victims of this crisis”

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber has approved a resolution on the conflict in Lebanon. MP Kathleen Depoorter is calling for special attention to the severe humanitarian situation: “The Lebanese people must not become the forgotten victims of this conflict. Humanitarian aid must continue to reach those in need, and civilians must be protected at all times.”

Humanitarian catastrophe

More than 1.2 million people have been forced to flee their homes — roughly a quarter of the population. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured. At the same time, hospitals are being damaged or forced to shut down, schools remain closed, and entire neighbourhoods and villages are being destroyed.

“When a quarter of the population is displaced, hospitals are closing, and children can no longer get to school, we are no longer dealing with just a security crisis, but with a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe,” said Kathleen Depoorter.

Protection of civilians

According to the text, submitted by both governing parties and opposition members, international humanitarian law must continue to be respected and civilians must be protected. The resolution therefore condemns the violence committed by the different parties involved in the conflict, while also expressing support for the efforts of the Lebanese government to bring the violence to an end.

The resolution also explicitly calls for unhindered humanitarian access, protection of medical infrastructure, and continued support for international aid organisations. Finding a sustainable political solution is likewise identified as a key priority.

“Behind every geopolitical conflict lies human suffering,” Kathleen Depoorter concluded. “International agreements and humanitarian law must be respected. Civilians should never have to pay the price for military escalation.”