Lebanon Crisis : Latest

Over one million people flee strikes amid invasion fears.

(UN News, 30/09/24)

Ongoing and deadly airstrikes in Lebanon have sparked a fresh humanitarian crisis of immense need.

Central Beirut, a heavily-populated area, has been struck by bombing, with the death roll rising. Displacement has now exceed the 2006 war. Many people have fled to Syria where conditions continue to be dangerous.

” Humanitarian relief is being provided by the refugee agency, UNHCR and other UN agencies including UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, which has opened nine shelters accommodating 3,350 people.

“UNRWA provides in these shelters aid based on impartiality and non-discrimination, hosting Palestine refugees, Lebanese and Syrian refugees, supporting all in need,” said UNRWA Lebanon spokesperson Fadi El Tayyar.

The UN aid coordinating office, OCHA, said that 90 per cent of the one million people displaced fled their homes in just the last week.”

You can support the people of Lebanon, the aid and health workers in the region and the charities delivering emergency response aid.

As, requests for support launch, when donating to emergency appeals, remember to check:

• * Is the charity registered? Do not give to personal bank accounts as this can place your donation and your own financial health at risk.
• * Does the charity have a history of working in area? Those charities with established field offices, rescue teams and trusted partners, including UNRWA, are likely to be the only charities able to distribute any aid at the current time.
• * What are  the most urgent needs? Prioritise the needs of vulnerable groups who are often those less likely to be able to flee. Pregnant women, newborn babies, the sick and disabled are particularly at risk. Immediate identified needs include search and rescue, shelter, food, clean water, fuel, electricity and medical care. Mental health needs continue to soar..

By donating to registered emergency appeals, you can ensure that a supply chain of aid is ready to be deployed through safe passage as soon as possible.

The following MCF members are working on the ground directly or through trusted official channels:

(Image: © UNICEF/Dar Al Mussawir – People gather around a bombed building in a southern suburb of Beirut.)