Several non-governmental organizations, including Amnesty International and Doctors of the World, appealed today for a ceasefire and an increase in humanitarian aid in Lebanon, where the situation is “nightmarish” for hundreds of people displaced by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. .
“With more than 1.2 million people on the street – 20% of the population displaced – the crisis has reached alarming proportions,” Jennifer Moorhead, of the NGO Save the Children, said during a conference call also attended by Amnesty International , Oxfam, Doctors of the World, Refugees International and Action contre la Faim (“Action against hunger”).
“The last two days have been an absolute nightmare,” he added.
After the massive aerial bombardment against Hezbollah, the Israeli army has been conducting ground operations in the south of the country since Monday, while continuing its strikes, mainly in Beirut and its suburbs.
They sleep on the street
NGOs operating in Lebanon describe an “unbearable” situation with entire families sleeping on the street, shelters overwhelmed and hospitals overcrowded, especially in the districts hit by the airstrikes.
“867 centers have been opened to accommodate displaced persons in public schools, universities, and of these 643 have already reached their maximum capacity,” said Ahmad Sharif of Doctors of the World, based in Beirut.
These organizations call for a cessation of hostilities to avoid a worsening of the situation and to respect international humanitarian law.
“The most urgent priority now must be an immediate ceasefire,” said Jeremy Conindick, president of Refugees International, accusing Israel of waging an “indiscriminate” attack on Lebanon that “doesn’t just hit Hezbollah” but also the Lebanese, Syrians and the Palestinian refugees, who are many in Lebanon.
Marine corridor
He also called on “global donors” to “step up humanitarian aid”, possibly deeming it necessary to open a sea “corridor” to transport aid as during the 2006 war.
“We are very concerned about access to basic supplies such as food, medicine and fuel” in southern Lebanon where some people have been unable or unwilling to leave, despite calls from Israel to evacuate areas, said Aya Majum of the International Amnesty.
Israel: We will expel Hezbollah from southern Lebanon
Israel will not allow Hezbollah to deploy forces in southern Lebanon again, Chief of the National Defense General Staff Herchi Halevi said today after three days of ground operations in the region.
“We will not allow Hezbollah to settle in these places again,” General Halevi stressed in a video message broadcast by Israeli state television. “The severe blows that Hezbollah received (…) in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon will continue,” he assured.
“Our forces are more ready than ever, having gained experience from the battles in Gaza,” claimed the chief of the general staff of Israel’s national defense.
Read also:
“Turkey will not allow the honest approach to be abused” – Who is Ankara sending a message to?
Boris Johnson accuses Netanyahu of putting a surveillance device in his toilet
Biden talks with Israel about attacks on Iran’s oil facilities
#Lebanon #International #calls #increased #humanitarian #aid #million #people #displaced
