Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Friday launched another urgent humanitarian appeal, warning that the country is facing an escalating crisis as the war continues and displacement deepens across southern Lebanon.

Speaking at the Grand Serail in a conference attended by representatives of donor countries and international organizations, Salam said Lebanon had been forced into a war that has already displaced around one million people and caused widespread destruction, while also stressing ongoing diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting.

“It has been three months since this war was imposed on us,” Salam said. “From the very first hours, the Lebanese state was present.”

He said the government activated the Disaster Risk Management Unit and its central operations room, and rolled out what he described as a coordinated national response under the Ministry of Social Affairs.

“That plan reached around one million displaced people who were forced to leave their homes,” he said, noting that some had taken refuge in official shelters while others remained outside the system and were still assisted through state institutions, including the Council for the South and the Higher Relief Council.

Salam also highlighted support efforts for residents who remained in southern villages despite ongoing bombardment.

“The plan also reached more than 50,000 people who stayed steadfast in their villages and towns in the south despite the danger,” he said. “Because resilience also needs protection and support and the basics of life.”

Turning to the displaced, Salam said their return remains a central government priority.

“Your dignified and safe return to your land is at the heart of our responsibility and our priorities. Your suffering is our suffering,” he said.

He praised residents of the south who have remained in their homes.

“I salute our people in the south who remain steadfast in their land and homes in the face of displacement plans,” he said. “They prove every day that the south will remain Lebanese. The state remains your first refuge, and its sovereignty is not a slogan but a daily commitment.”

On the diplomatic front, Salam said Lebanon had pursued negotiations with regional and international partners in an effort to end the war.

“We have spared no effort on the diplomatic track,” he said. “We chose negotiations because it is the least costly option for Lebanon and its people, and the fastest way to secure a withdrawal and the return of people to their homes.”

He said that through Lebanese efforts, Arab engagement, and what he described as U.S. understanding, a ceasefire framework had been reached only for it to face immediate rejection from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“Through Lebanese State efforts, Arab support, and American understanding, we reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Lebanon,” Salam said. “But the Lebanese were surprised when the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was the first to reject it. This confirms once again that this is not our war. It is being fought on our land and at the expense of our people.”

“Once again, the south and its people are paying the price for a decision they did not take. If I may address Iran directly: have mercy on our south and stop treating it as a bargaining chip in your negotiations. Lebanon is not a mailbox for others’ messages, nor a battlefield for their wars," Salam stated.

“Lebanon is not a card on anyone’s table, and the south is not a backup front for anyone,” he said.

Salam warned that continued rejection of a ceasefire would deepen the humanitarian catastrophe.

“The rejection of a ceasefire means the war continues, and the humanitarian crisis continues, and it deepens every day,” he said. “We cannot just describe the tragedy or count the victims. We cannot wait for the guns to fall silent on their own.”

The prime minister directed two appeals; one domestic and one international.

“To the Lebanese, I call for reason and for putting Lebanon’s interest and its people above all else,” he said. “Lebanon must not remain a battlefield for others’ wars. No war can be fought in our name without our consent, and no decision of war or peace can remain outside the authority of our state.”

To the international community, he urged pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign.

“I call on ambassadors and representatives of international organizations to pressure Israel to stop its attacks on civilians and end the destruction of the villages of Jabal Amel,” he said, citing widespread destruction from Tyre to Bint Jbeil and Nabatieh.

“This policy of collective punishment, condemned by international law and conscience, cannot bring security. It only brings more pain, anger, and destruction,” Salam said. “The people of the south are not part of Iran’s war with the United States. They are citizens of this country, and they have the right to live in safety and dignity like all people.”

He warned that cultural and historical heritage sites were also at risk, noting that parts of southern Lebanon include globally recognized landmarks such as Tyre and Beaufort Castle.

“What is being destroyed is not only Lebanon’s property, but humanity’s heritage,” he said.

Salam added that the humanitarian situation would worsen as long as fighting continues.

“The more destruction spreads, the harder return becomes,” he said. “Negotiations alone are not enough while the fire is still burning.”

He concluded by urging renewed international support for Lebanon’s humanitarian response.

 “We are asking not only for political support, but for action: to help secure a ceasefire, protect civilians, and support Lebanon’s ability to respond to this crisis,” he said.

“Stand with Lebanon and support this second humanitarian appeal,” Salam added. “The gap between needs and resources has widened, and our people can no longer wait.”