ActionAid express concern about unfolding humanitarian crisis in South Lebanon
As violence intensifies between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the humanitarian situation in South Lebanon has reached a critical level. ActionAid is issuing an urgent call for action to prevent further escalation and to address the severe humanitarian conditions in the region.
The situation has deteriorated rapidly since Israel's latest war on Gaza started in October 2023, with the death toll in Lebanon now reaching 133 civilians, including women and children. Israeli airstrikes targeting key areas in South Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, have resulted in widespread casualties and the destruction of essential infrastructure. The ongoing hostilities have displaced around 112,000 people, many of whom are now living in overcrowded and under-resourced host communities.
Lebanon was already in the grips of a profound humanitarian crisis before the recent surge in violence, with 3.7 million people requiring assistance, including 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 200,000 Palestinian refugees.
The destruction caused by the Israeli attacks to civilian infrastructure has further crippled Lebanon’s fragile economy and exacerbated the suffering of its population. The threat of further escalation is dangerously high, with the potential to trigger a full-scale conflict that would have catastrophic consequences not only for Lebanon but for the entire region.
ActionAid is calling for immediate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld, including the implementation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.
There is an urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance to support those affected by the latest escalation. This includes providing medical care, food, shelter, and psychological support to the displaced and traumatised populations. It is also vital to support Lebanon’s political and economic stability to prevent further deterioration and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.
The situation in Lebanon is dire, and the window to prevent a full-scale humanitarian disaster is closing rapidly. ActionAid urges the international community to prioritise peace and stability, and to act decisively to support the people of Lebanon at this critical time.
This escalation is closely linked to the ongoing war on Gaza which continues to claim the life of innocent civilians and cause immense suffering at an unimaginable scale, with the latest death toll in Gaza having surpassed 40,000 people, including 16,500 children, and more than 93,000 people being injured. Once again, ActionAid reiterates its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further human suffering and to de-escalate tensions in the region.
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