ActionAid Ireland issues urgent call for global action to prevent further escalation of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel
ActionAid Ireland has issued an urgent call for global action to prevent further escalation of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, warning the humanitarian situation in South Lebanon has reached a critical level.
ActionAid Ireland CEO, Karol Balfe, said the situation has deteriorated rapidly since Israel’s latest war on Gaza started in October 2023, with the death toll in Lebanon now reaching 133 civiliansi, including women and children.
“The situation in Lebanon is dire, and the window to prevent a full-scale humanitarian disaster is closing rapidly. ActionAid Ireland urges the international community to prioritise peace and stability, and to act decisively to support the people of Lebanon at this critical time.”
“There is an urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance to support those affected by the latest escalation. This includes providing medical care, food, shelter, and psychological support to the displaced and traumatised populations. It is also vital to support Lebanon’s political and economic stability to prevent further deterioration and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.”
Ms Balfe added: “Israeli airstrikes targeting key areas in South Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley have resulted in widespread casualties and the destruction of essential infrastructure. The ongoing hostilities have displaced around 112,000 people, many of whom are now living in overcrowded and under-resourced host communities.
Lebanon was already in the grips of a profound humanitarian crisis before the recent surge in violence, with 3.7 million people requiring assistance, including 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 200,000 Palestinian refugees.”
Ms Balfe said: “ActionAid is calling for immediate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld, including the implementation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. She added the escalation is closely linked to the ongoing war on Gaza which continues to claim the life of innocent civilians and cause immense suffering at an unimaginable scale, with the latest death toll in Gaza having surpassed 40,000 people, including 16,500 children, and more than 93,000 people being injured
