United Nations agencies have urgently called for increased funding to address the skyrocketing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon due to the non-stop Israeli military offensive against Hezbollah. In a joint statement by UNICEF and the WFP on Tuesday, it has been mentioned that hundreds of thousands have become displaced, and this conflict has “triggered a catastrophe.”.
Agencies noted the growing needs and said, “We are preparing for the reality that the needs are increasing. We need additional funding without conditionalities.” Lebanese officials estimated 1.2 million have been affected as Israel reportedly carried out airstrikes on Beirut and other areas, deploying troops in the south.
“Approximately 1.2 million people have been affected, with the most disproportionate consequences on already-weak communities,” the statement stipulated. Close to 190,000 displaced individuals are being sheltered in more than 1,000 facilities, while an unknown number are struggling to find shelter with family and friends. Hundreds of thousands more have crossed into Syria, which further complicates the humanitarian crisis in the country.
The WFP distributes ready-to-eat food and cash assistance to meet the daily needs of approximately 200,000 people. In coordination with the Lebanese Government, UNICEF provides life-saving support to children and families, including primary healthcare, water and hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets, and psychosocial services. In addition, the agency has warned about the possibility of a “lost generation” since 400,000 children have been displaced due to hostilities that started three weeks ago.
Fears are growing about the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s attacks, which the military says hit facilities used by the Hezbollah group. The human rights office said that the 22 people who died in one strike in the northern village of Aito-12 were women and two children. It called for a “prompt, independent and thorough investigation,” citing concerns about the laws of war.
One official with the UN Refugee Agency estimated that new Israeli evacuation orders for 20 villages in southern Lebanon have affected over a quarter of the country. “People are heeding these calls to evacuate, fleeing with almost nothing,” she said.
With no sign of any let-up in the conflict, the Israeli army said it had carried out 200 strikes across Lebanon in the last 24 hours, while Hezbollah said it fired a rocket at the suburbs of Tel Aviv.
