Red Cross Urges Global Support with Emergency Appeal for Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has issued an urgent global appeal for aid to support Lebanon amid the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The IFRC is seeking 100 million Swiss Francs (USD 115.8 million) to assist Lebanon and the Lebanese Red Cross during this crisis. The conflict, which has lasted 13 months, has resulted in over 3,000 deaths and more than 13,000 injuries in Lebanon.

Jagan Chapagain, IFRC's secretary-general, highlighted the rapidly increasing needs in Lebanon. During his visit to Beirut, he met with officials and visited shelters housing those displaced by the conflict. Chapagain emphasised the necessity for hygiene kits, non-food items, blankets, and heaters as winter approaches. He noted that even if hostilities cease, recovery will take time.

Impact on Civilians and Displacement

The conflict intensified on September 23 with severe Israeli airstrikes targeting southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs. This escalation has led to nearly 1.2 million people being displaced. In northern Israel, the prime minister's office reports that 68 soldiers and 41 civilians have died since October 2023, with over 60,000 people displaced from their homes.

Lebanon is grappling with a historic economic crisis while hosting hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in shelters across the nation. The IFRC's appeal aims to provide essential support during this challenging period.

Protection of Humanitarian Workers

Chapagain stressed the need for all parties to safeguard paramedics amid the conflict. He revealed that over 30 staff and volunteers worldwide have been killed this year, with many others injured. "This is something unheard of many years ago," he remarked about these casualties.

In Lebanon alone, 17 Lebanese Red Cross members have been injured while performing rescue operations since the conflict began. Among them, three paramedics were wounded twice. Chapagain reiterated that "The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems are protected."

Call for Global Cooperation

Chapagain urged the international community to unite in finding a political resolution to the region's longstanding challenges. He stated that despite any cessation of hostilities, recovery will be prolonged, justifying the two-year duration of IFRC's emergency appeal.

The situation remains dire as humanitarian workers continue to face significant risks while providing aid. The IFRC's call for resources highlights the urgent need for global support to address both immediate and long-term needs in Lebanon.