Beirut: A United Nations humanitarian official stated that 1.4 million people in Lebanon require urgent humanitarian assistance due to rapidly deteriorating food security in the country.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, highlighted during a press briefing by the United Nations Office in Geneva that the UN, in collaboration with the Government of Lebanon, has launched a new appeal to mobilize funding for critical relief operations. The appeal is part of a revised and extended humanitarian Flash Appeal for Lebanon.
Riza explained that the escalation of hostilities over the past three months has led to severe violence and hardship across Lebanon. Communities are suffering from widespread displacement, destruction of housing and essential infrastructure, and significant psychological trauma. More than 3,500 people have been killed and over 10,000 injured, with nearly a million individuals displaced from their homes.
He further noted the immense challenges faced by health workers and first responders, who are experiencing high levels of danger. Many neighborhoods have been devastated, resulting in families losing their homes and sources of income. During recent visits to affected communities, Riza observed significant damage to infrastructure and essential services, including hospitals, government buildings, and schools.
The UN official emphasized the profound psychological impact of the conflict, stating that the emotional scars will outlast the immediate physical devastation. He reported that donors have contributed approximately $190 million, which has enabled rapid response efforts to assist more than 680,000 people in the initial phase of the Flash Appeal.
To meet the growing humanitarian needs, the UN is seeking an additional $331.5 million to support 1.4 million individuals, bringing the total funding requirement to $639.9 million through August. Riza called for international support, describing it as an investment in peace and stability.
The UN's efforts are aimed at supporting government-led initiatives to address the humanitarian crisis. Riza highlighted the importance of sustaining and expanding life-saving aid, with a focus on vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities. He also stressed the importance of protecting frontline responders under international humanitarian law and addressing the issue of protracted displacement.
Riza concluded by outlining four key messages: the need to halt the escalation of conflict, respect international humanitarian law, ensure humanitarian access, and secure predictable funding for the Flash Appeal to save lives.