Escalating Conflict in Lebanon: Urgent Humanitarian Response Needed for Displaced Families, UNICEF and WFP.
BEIRUT:
UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) have issued a joint statement highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amid the escalating conflict in Lebanon. During a recent visit, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban and WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau witnessed the devastation faced by families affected by the violence.
“The war that the world wanted to avoid in Lebanon is now happening and has already triggered a catastrophe,” Chaiban stated. The ongoing conflict has displaced approximately 190,000 individuals, with around 1.2 million people impacted overall. Many families are living in perilous conditions, and the psychological toll on children and youth is increasing as they face bombardments, loss of loved ones, and disruption to their education.
The humanitarian response has become increasingly complex, with hundreds of thousands of people crossing into Syria, further straining resources. In light of these challenges, UNICEF and WFP are working collaboratively to deliver essential support. WFP is providing ready-to-eat food and cash assistance to approximately 200,000 people daily, while UNICEF is focusing on delivering primary health care, water and hygiene kits, and psychosocial support services to children in shelters.
Local communities have shown remarkable solidarity, supporting one another during these challenging times. However, the scale of need is overwhelming, and the social fabric is under severe strain. The agencies emphasize that international humanitarian law must be respected, urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and infrastructure.
As the situation deteriorates, both agencies are calling for immediate international support to ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance and to protect vulnerable populations. “Above all else, the children and families of Lebanon need this war to end,” they urged, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to safeguard lives and restore essential services.
