Geneva, April 10 (QNA) - The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Friday called for an end to the Israeli escalation in Lebanon and for the protection of all civilians, including more than one million displaced persons.

During a press conference, UNHCR spokesperson Eugenie Beaune emphasized that the Israeli escalation in Lebanon has caused heavy loss of life, deepened suffering, and destroyed homes and property.

She noted that areas previously considered safe have been bombed, sparking panic and forcing people to flee their homes for the second or third time.

She also highlighted the sharp increase in humanitarian needs in Lebanon, as access to those affected has become increasingly restricted.

Furthermore, shelters hosting approximately 140,000 displaced persons are suffering from severe overcrowding.

UNHCR also quoted the Lebanese Ministry of Health as saying that about 100 sites were bombed two days ago within minutes and without prior warning, as the aggression included densely populated neighborhoods in the capital Beirut that were sheltering thousands of displaced people, stressing that it and its partners will continue to support the response efforts led by the Lebanese government, through the provision of emergency relief, the repair of shelters and the provision of protection services. (QNA)