Lebanon: Crisis deepens amid escalating conflict and financial shortfall
Since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, in response to terrorist attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups, Nearly 200,000 people were displaced. along the “Green Line” between southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Imran Riza, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, told journalists in New York via video link from Beirut that 150,000 people remained within ten kilometers of the UN-patrolled border in southern Lebanon, which is regularly hit by shelling and airstrikes.
In the past week alone, 130 civilians have been killed in Lebanon, including 21 health workers and at least three journalists, he added.
“We repeatedly reiterate the message that more must be done to end these hostile acts.to find a political and diplomatic solution, and to immediately and persistently protect civilians and humanitarian workers,” he said.
Challenging situation
Mr. Riza stressed that even before the war in Gaza, Lebanon was in decline, marked by a protracted political, financial and socio-economic crisis.
“Today, by 2024, the number of people in need of assistance has reached 3.7 million, including Lebanese, Syrians, Palestinians and other refugees affected by the crisis. The conflict has further eroded the state’s capacity to address political, economic and security challenges.“, he said.
“People’s lives have been devastated. Their access to water, electricity and health care has been affected. Children and parents are suffering psychological trauma.”
He added that humanitarian organizations are responding to the needs of displaced people as well as those remaining in frontline areas, despite the volatile security situation, difficulties in access and lack of funding.
Resources needed
The senior humanitarian official also stressed that despite limited funding – only about 25 percent of needs – the United Nations and aid partners have reached about a million people in need this year, including at least 180,000 people affected by the conflict in southern Lebanon.
“We continue to work hard to improve access to those in need, increase coordination, prioritize efforts to help the most vulnerable, negotiate access for assessment and distribution – but We need more resources and funding.“, he stressed.
He added that to continue providing assistance to 290,000 people affected by internal conflict, humanitarian operations need about $110 million from August until the end of the year.
However, if the situation continues to escalate, they will need more.
“In terms of current preparedness, we are appealing for an additional $36.4 million to stockpile food, water, medicines and non-food items such as hygiene kits and shelter materials for immediate use in case the situation escalates,” said Mr. Riza.
