The German Red Cross (DRK) has issued a warning regarding a potential humanitarian catastrophe in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli attacks. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday, DRK President Hermann Gröhe noted that numerous hospitals are severely overcrowded due to the high number of casualties. Furthermore, he warned of an impending shortage of essential medicines and medical supplies, especially if the violence persists.
Gröhe stated that the overall humanitarian situation in Lebanon has significantly deteriorated. He reported that in recent days, densely populated areas have been subjected to shelling without adequate warning. While the full consequences are still unknown, he estimates that the conflict has reached a new, devastating scale, potentially resulting in hundreds of fatalities and over a thousand injured civilians.
The DRK President expressed deep distress and worry over the increasing tendency to disregard civilian lives and the targeting of humanitarian aid workers worldwide. He highlighted that in 2024 and 2025 alone, over 300 aid personnel globally died in the line of duty, many belonging to the DRK sister societies. He added that aid workers have already been casualties this year, including personnel from the Lebanese Red Cross.
Addressing these dangers, Gröhe called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law. He emphasized that there are established rules intended to maintain a basic level of humanity, even during armed conflicts. These protocols dictate that medical facilities and personnel must be protected, as must the civilian population. Gröhe concluded by urging that all parties engaged in the conflict must follow these critical rules.