ARDD is gravely concerned by the dramatic escalation of Israel’s brutal attacks on Lebanon since 17 September 2024 which according to the latest Lebanese government figures have left in excess of 1,000 people killed and 6,000 wounded with concerns that the number of forced displaced could reach 1 million. Prior to the recent displacement across Lebanon, the country was already in the grips of a protracted political and socio-economic crisis, with more than 3.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.   

ARDD strongly condemns Israel’s use of force and its violation of international humanitarian law, causing mass civilian casualties, and joins widespread calls for an immediate ceasefire, the road to which is ending the genocidal war in Gaza since October 2023. ARDD calls for urgent action to protect and support the civilian population in Lebanon, including large communities of Palestinian and Syrian refugees.

WFP today announced it has launched an emergency operation to provide food assistance for up to one million people affected by the recent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon. IOM, UNRWA and others, supported by international and local NGOs, are providing shelter to displaced persons across the country and are preparing to upscale their efforts.

ARDD is calling on the international community to support these and other ongoing relief efforts and reiterates calls for:

•             Respect for the principles of International Humanitarian Law, which include the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure

•             Protection of humanitarian workers, medical teams, and humanitarian sites, including first responders, and the facilitation of humanitarian operations

•             Provision of increased, flexible, and timely disbursement of emergency funding to enable humanitarians to respond to growing needs

•             Prioritization of key interventions in the case of further escalation, including shelter, health, food and water

ARDD finally follows with concern reports that the Israeli occupation army has reportedly decided to implement a military blockade on Lebanon, extending to both land, sea and air borders. We call on the international community to make sure that this blockade does not prevent the arrival of humanitarian goods, fuel and other supplies.