The World Food Programme has launched an emergency operation in Lebanon to assist up to one million individuals affected by the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The organization requires $105 million to sustain food assistance efforts, which have already reached over 66,000 individuals. The situation is critical, with the Lebanese Prime Minister noting that displacements may reach a historic one million due to ongoing violence.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has initiated an emergency food operation in Lebanon aiming to assist up to one million individuals affected by the recent conflict escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. This operation commenced with the distribution of ready-to-eat food rations, bread, hot meals, and food parcels to families residing in shelters across the nation. In light of the weekend’s intensification of hostilities, which has already resulted in significant displacement of people amidst ongoing crises, the WFP emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian intervention. Since the onset of this crisis, the WFP has actively provided support, reaching over 66,000 individuals in shelters across Lebanon. The organization urgently requests $105 million to sustain these critical operations until the end of the year, appealing to the international community for resources to bolster humanitarian efforts. Corinne Fleischer, WFP’s regional director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, reiterated the dire situation, stating, “Lebanon is at a breaking point and cannot endure another war,” and underscored the pressing need for peace in the region. Concurrently, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati indicated that the displacement due to the Israeli airstrikes may reach nearly one million, deeming this the largest displacement crisis in the nation’s history and calling for a cessation of hostilities. The escalations have heightened since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah initiated rocket launches against Israel, a response to the situation in Gaza, leading to intensified Israeli retaliatory attacks in southern Lebanon.
The current humanitarian crisis in Lebanon stems from escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, significantly affecting the civilian population. Following the shift in Israel’s military focus from the Gaza Strip to confrontations in the north, the violence has intensified, resulting in widespread displacements. Lebanon has long been a region marked by conflict, and the cumulative impact of recent crises has exacerbated the vulnerability of many families. The WFP’s emergency operation aims to provide critical support in the form of food assistance as thousands seek refuge in shelters across the country. The appeal for funds highlights the essential role that international support plays in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by conflict.
In summary, the World Food Programme has launched an urgent response to provide food assistance to those displaced by the recent conflict in Lebanon, highlighting an immediate need for international aid and funding. As the situation deteriorates, the call for a halt to hostilities grows ever more critical. With substantial numbers of individuals displaced, the WFP underscores the importance of humanitarian intervention and the necessity for peace in a region already facing significant challenges.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
