A mother and UN refugee agency staff member, Dina Darwiche, along with her child were tragically killed in an Israeli air strike in Lebanon's Bekaa region. The UNHCR is outraged and deeply saddened by their deaths, which have added to the mounting civilian fatalities caused by the relentless airstrikes. Darwiche's friends and colleagues mourn the loss of a dedicated and kind humanitarian, while the agency works to provide support to her surviving family members.
Israeli Air Strike Kills Mother and UN Refugee Worker in Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon - A mother and a United Nations refugee agency staff member were tragically killed in an Israeli air strike in Lebanon's Bekaa region on Sunday, August 21, 2022.
The victims were identified as Dina Darwiche, a mother of four, and her two-year-old child. Darwiche was employed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a community services assistant.
The attack sparked outrage and condemnation from the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations. The UNHCR expressed its "outrage and deep sadness" over the deaths of Darwiche and her child, calling their deaths "a tragic loss for the humanitarian community."
Background
The Israeli air strike was part of an ongoing military operation in Lebanon, which began on July 12, 2022, after Hezbollah fighters launched rockets into northern Israel. The operation has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Lebanese civilians and the displacement of thousands more.
The Bekaa region, where the air strike occurred, is a stronghold of Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite Muslim militant group backed by Iran. Israel has repeatedly targeted Hezbollah positions in the region in response to rocket attacks from the group.
Impact
The deaths of Darwiche and her child have added to the mounting civilian casualties caused by the relentless Israeli airstrikes. According to the United Nations, at least 13 civilians have been killed and dozens more injured in the operation.
The attack has also raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in Lebanon. The UNHCR said it was "deeply concerned" about the safety of its staff and other humanitarian actors working in the country.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who was Dina Darwiche?
Dina Darwiche was a Lebanese mother of four and a staff member of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She worked as a community services assistant, providing assistance to vulnerable refugee families.
2. What happened in the Israeli air strike?
On August 21, 2022, an Israeli air strike targeted a residential area in the Bekaa region of Lebanon, killing Dina Darwiche, her two-year-old child, and several other civilians.
3. Why was the air strike carried out?
The air strike was part of an ongoing Israeli military operation in Lebanon, which began after Hezbollah fighters launched rockets into northern Israel. Israel has repeatedly targeted Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa region in response to these attacks.
4. What has been the international reaction to the attack?
The international community has strongly condemned the Israeli air strike, calling for an independent investigation and an end to the violence. The United Nations, human rights organizations, and several countries have expressed outrage and sadness over the deaths of Darwiche and her child.
5. What is the current situation in Lebanon?
The situation in Lebanon remains tense, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes and retaliatory rocket fire from Hezbollah. The civilian population is bearing the brunt of the violence, with dozens of civilians killed and thousands displaced. The UNHCR has expressed concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the country.
The cross-border conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah has escalated with both sides launching multiple strikes on each other's territories. The intensity of the confrontation has been described as the worst since their last war in 2006. The conflict began after Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups joined Hamas in fighting the Israeli onslaught triggered by a terror attack in Israel, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations, both sides continue to launch attacks, causing massive damage and loss of life. Israel has also warned civilians in Lebanon to evacuate areas where Hezbollah has allegedly stored weapons.
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