Lebanese PM warns of humanitarian crisis amid war escalation

Middle Eastern outlets highlight Lebanese leaders warning that Israeli military action is driving mass displacement and deepening Lebanon’s economic and social crisis. They stress that Lebanon, already hosting large numbers of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, is now struggling to care for its own newly displaced citizens. They expect regional and Western governments to face pressure to restrain Israel and fund relief before the situation spirals further.

• •Lebanon’s social affairs minister reports that more than 450,000 people were registered as displaced within the first five days of intensified strikes.
• •Prime Minister Najib Mikati warns that continued Israeli attacks could push displacement well beyond current figures.
• •Lebanese officials say host communities are running out of space and resources to house new arrivals.
• •Regional coverage stresses that Lebanon’s long-running economic crisis leaves families with little savings to cope with sudden flight.
• •Commentators in the region argue that foreign governments must press Israel to limit strikes that hit civilian areas.