Amid escalating hostilities, the United Nations and its partners are delivering crucial humanitarian aid to Lebanon to support crisis-affected populations. Key agencies like the UNRWA, World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF are actively involved in supplying food, medical aid, and educational resources to the country.
Key Aid Initiatives:
UNRWA: Delivered medical supplies and fuel to the Burj Shimali Palestinian refugee camp.
WFP: Reached over 2 million vulnerable people, including Lebanese and Syrian refugees, with food assistance.
UNICEF: Working with local authorities to ensure access to education for 387, 000 children through support for 326 public schools.
Escalating Humanitarian Needs: The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that Lebanon’s humanitarian situation is now worse than during the 2006 conflict, as healthcare facilities and essential resources are stretched thin due to frequent attacks and heightened demand for essential supplies.
Funding Urgently Needed: The UN launched a $426 million appeal in October, but only $80 million (under 19%) has been raised. The UN urges swift action from the international community to meet Lebanon’s urgent needs.
Conclusion: As Lebanon grapples with an unprecedented crisis, UN agencies are scaling up support. However, increased international funding and swift conversion of pledges to actionable aid are crucial for sustaining these relief efforts.