Renata Steffens
Emergency personnel work at the site of an Iranian strike, after Iran launched missile
barrages following attacks by the US and Israel on February 28, 2026, in Beit Shemesh,
Israel, March 1. Photo: OSV News /Ammar Awad, Reuters Trócaire has condemned the acts of war in the Middle East, as the war between Israel and Iran and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah is in its second week. A UN agency said on Monday that the hostilities have forced nearly 700,000 people to flee their homes in Lebanon.
“This systemic failure of global diplomacy and failed multilateralism poses enormous threats far beyond the Middle East Region, and we should not accept such ferocious abuse of power and disregard for international law,” the organisation said.
Seán Farrell, Trócaire CEO, said, “War is not the way forward. This escalation of violence has had immediate and devastating humanitarian consequences. All parties to the conflict should comply with International Humanitarian Law and norms, including ensuring unimpeded and free access to humanitarian support, while ensuring civilians are not targeted.”
Mr Farrell also believes that precaution is critical to protect civilians during armed conflict. He also said, “The conflict should not impede the current humanitarian response in Gaza. Borders that were closed during the outset of the current conflict should be reopened in line with the principle of access to humanitarian assistance at its core.”