ActionAid partners flee Baalbek as people “scramble like scared mice” to escape Israeli airstrikes
ActionAid called on world leaders to act immediately to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Lebanon, after staff of its partner organisation RDFL (The Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering ) were forced to flee Baalbek following new Israeli orders this morning.
Israel launched airstrikes have already begun on Baalbek, according to Lebanese media reports.
ActionAid’s partner has been forced to suspend its essential services several times in a matter of months due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Roula Zeaiter, Programme Manager for RDFL, said:
“People have started evacuating from areas affected by Israeli orders, including shelters where displaced families are staying. The areas affected by Israeli orders are densely populated and heavily crowded. There are no logistical resources to help people to leave, and some people are having to move on foot. People are panicking, running around in confusion, bumping into each other, unsure where to go or what to do."
"Minutes after the order to leave came, the streets were filled with people grabbing their things, locking their homes and closing their shops. We’re scrambling like scared mice, moving from place to place. Lebanon is becoming like Gaza, with Israeli forces using the same tactics."
Ziad Issa, ActionAid’s Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead, said:
“Once again, our partner has been forced to shut down its essential work supporting women and girls in Lebanon because of merciless attacks by Israel. These forced displacements orders cause further suffering for people in Lebanon, many of whom have already been displaced several times.
“Forcibly displacing people from their homes is a clear violation of international humanitarian law, and yet these attacks continue without restraint. The international community cannot stand by and watch as these tactics persist. Civilians who are either unable or unwilling to evacuate remain protracted under international law. World leaders must act now to hold Israel accountable for these actions, and step in to protect people's safety, dignity and right to remain in their homes.”
ENDS
To arrange media interviews, please contact, Charlotte Rose, Humanitarian Media and Communications Lead. ActionAid International (based in London, GMT+1)
Email: charlotte.rose@actionaid.org
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