Contempt for life and international law cannot be normalised

Israeli bombings in Lebanon, April 8, 2026. X/ @BradSocha

Current Displacement Figures in Lebanon

As of now, more than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict and violence. This represents a significant portion of the population, with many fleeing their homes under urgent circumstances.

Breakdown of Displacement

CategoryNumber of Displaced PeopleTotal Displaced1,000,000+Children Displaced300,000+Registered with Government517,000+Sheltering in Collective Sites120,000+

Context of Displacement

  • The displacement has been driven by intense airstrikes and evacuation orders, particularly affecting southern Lebanon and the Beirut area.
  • Many displaced individuals are seeking refuge with family or friends, while others are living in makeshift shelters or on the streets.
  • The humanitarian situation is critical, with urgent needs for food, shelter, and medical assistance.

This ongoing crisis continues to evolve, and the number of displaced individuals may increase as the situation develops.

 rescue.org The Intercept

https://metro.co.uk/2026/04/08/scenes-devastation-israel-bombs-lebanon-100-times-10-minutes-27900858/?ito=article.mweb.share.top.native

PM Sanchez of Spain condemns Netanyahu:

“Netanyahu’s contempt for life and international law intolerable”: Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez

ANI

Updated At : 04:25 AM Apr 09, 2026 IST

……………….

“Just today, Netanyahu launched his harshest attack against Lebanon since the offensive began. His contempt for life and international law is intolerable. It’s time to speak clearly: Lebanon must be included in the ceasefire. The international community must condemn this new violation of international law. The European Union must suspend its Association Agreement with Israel. And there must be no impunity for these criminal acts,” the Span

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/netanyahus-contempt-for-life-and-international-law-intolerable-spanish-pm-pedro-sanchez/

And Pope Leo calls for peace:

Friday 17 April |

pope-leo-xiv-epiphany-closes-holy-door-jubilee2025

Pope Leo expresses closeness to Lebanon, Sudan

Kathleen N. Hattrup – published on 04/12/26

3 years of bloodshed in Sudan, and Lebanon’s civilians the victims of the war. Pope calls for peace.

Pope Leo is again calling for peace in Lebanon, noting that individual consciences and international law should lead to protecting civilians.

Negotiations are scheduled to begin in the coming days in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli diplomats; the Pope did not comment on the breakdown of negotiations between the United States and Iran.

After leading the Regina Caeli, he said:

In these days of sorrow, fear, and unwavering hope in God, I feel closer than ever to the beloved people of Lebanon.  The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international law, entails a moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the horrific effects of war.  I call on the parties in the conflict to declare a ceasefire and urgently seek a peaceful solution.

Pope Leo also drew attention to the ongoing situation in Sudan, which continues to create the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world.

Next Wednesday marks the third anniversary of the start of the bloodstained conflict in Sudan. How much the Sudanese people are suffering, innocent victims of this inhuman tragedy! I renew my fervent appeal to the warring parties to silence their weapons and begin, without preconditions, a sincere dialogue aimed at ending this fratricidal war as soon as possible.

https://aleteia.org/2026/04/12/pope-leo-expresses-closeness-to-lebanon-sudan/

See the role of Catholics in the history of Lebanon:

https://ewtn.co.uk/article-10-things-to-know-about-the-catholic-church-in-lebanon/

Some history (since the end of the Ottoman Empire)

France was in Lebanon during the French Mandate from 1923 to 1946, following the end of World War I and the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire. The mandate officially established Greater Lebanon, which later became the modern Lebanese Republic. Wikipedia toulamuseum.com

And despite Arabic being spoken, French is still taught in schools:

In today’s education system, French remains a compulsory school language in most schools, making it the most taught foreign language in Lebanon. From elementary school to high school, the majority of classes are taught in French. This results in a large portion of the population speaking the language. Between 40% to 50% of Lebanese people are also French speakers.

https://www.mosalingua.com/en/what-languages-are-spoken-in-lebanon/#what-is-lebanons-official-language

Current French relations with Saudi Arabia:

France plays a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in defense cooperation and economic growth. The two countries have strengthened their ties through defense agreements, cultural exchanges, and business investments, with France supporting Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities and economic diversification efforts. newarab.com tacticalreport.com

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About borderslynn

Retired, living in the Scottish Borders after living most of my life in cities in England. I can now indulge my interest in all aspects of living close to nature in a wild landscape. I live on what was once the Iapetus Ocean which took millions of years to travel from the Southern Hemisphere to here in the Northern Hemisphere. That set me thinking and questioning and seeking answers. In 1998 I co-wrote Millennium Countdown (US)/ A Business Guide to the Year 2000 (UK) see https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780749427917
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