Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

UN Agencies Urge Immediate Funding to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict
UNICEF and WFP urgently call for funding to tackle the humanitarian disaster in Lebanon, with Israeli military actions displacing over 1.2 million people. The crisis worsens as hundreds of thousands flee for safety.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-15
UN Agencies Urge Immediate Funding to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict

United Nations agencies have urgently requested increased funding to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as the Israeli military intensifies its offensive against Hezbollah. In a joint statement on Tuesday, UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted the dire circumstances faced by hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in the country, warning that the ongoing conflict has triggered a "catastrophe."

 

Scale of the Crisis

According to Lebanese officials, approximately 1.2 million people have been affected by the fighting, which has seen Israeli airstrikes targeting Beirut and other regions while deploying ground troops in southern Lebanon. The UN agencies reported that nearly 190,000 displaced individuals are currently taking shelter in over 1,000 facilities, with many others seeking refuge with friends and family.

 

The statement also noted that significant numbers of people have crossed into Syria, further complicating the humanitarian response in both countries.

 

Humanitarian Efforts

To meet the escalating needs, the WFP is currently providing support to about 200,000 people daily with ready-to-eat food and cash assistance. UNICEF is focusing on delivering essential services to children and families, including primary healthcare, water and hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets, and psychosocial support services, in partnership with the Lebanese government.

 

However, UNICEF has warned that the conflict may lead to a "lost generation" in Lebanon, with approximately 400,000 children displaced in just three weeks since the hostilities escalated.

 

Civilian Impact

The ongoing Israeli attacks have raised serious concerns about the impact on civilians. The UN's human rights office reported that most of the 22 casualties from a recent strike on the northern village of Aito were women and children, emphasizing the need for a “prompt, independent and thorough investigation” into the incident.

 

“What we are hearing is that among the 22 people killed were 12 women and two children,” a spokesperson stated, expressing grave concerns regarding compliance with international laws of war.

 

Evacuations and Continued Fighting

An official from the UN Refugee Agency indicated that new Israeli evacuation orders affecting 20 villages in southern Lebanon mean that more than a quarter of the population is now impacted by the conflict. Many families are fleeing their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.

 

Despite international calls for restraint, the fighting shows no signs of abating. The Israeli army reported conducting 200 strikes across Lebanon in the past 24 hours, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack targeting the suburbs of Tel Aviv.

 

Conclusion

As the humanitarian situation in Lebanon deteriorates, UN agencies are calling for immediate funding without conditions to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict. The international community’s response will be crucial in preventing further loss of life and supporting the recovery of the Lebanese population.

 

 
Tagged:

Israel

UNICEF

hezbollah

HumanitarianAid

LebanonCrisis

WFP
Share News: