In the face of the absolute humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, a regional escalation is taking place. Monday 23 September, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed 600 and injured 2,000 people in just one day, as reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
HI is deeply concerned by this degradation of the regional situation and the growing humanitarian needs in the area. The association strongly condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the north of Israel and in Lebanon. HI calls on all parties to the conflict to de-escalate, immediately protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law to prevent a further degradation of the already dire humanitarian situation.
“We condemn these massive and indiscriminate bombing and shelling that took place in populated areas. Civilians must be protected from any armed violence,” says HI International Programs Director Florence Daunis.
Thousands of residents from southern and eastern Lebanon fled cities, towns and villages on Monday following the attacks. Mass displacement spillover is also reported into neighbouring Syria that has itself been reeling from 14 years of civil war.
Rocket attacks from Hezbollah intensified over the last few days, with around 450 rockets fired towards northern Israel and the surrounding areas since Saturday 21 September. Since the escalation of violence with Hezbollah, 60,000 people in northern Israel have been forced to flee.
HI assist the people in needs
HI is operating in Lebanon since 1992 and provide currently assistance in several areas of the country, including in the south, near the border with Israel, where more than 100,000 people were displaced since the escalation of violence since late 2023.
"Following the massive attacks yesterday, more than half of our teams are displaced and are looking for alternative accommodation. Thankfully, everyone is safe for the time being. We continue our response in the country, including with partners in South Lebanon towards people impacted by the escalation of violence. A part of our teams is working remotely," says HI Director in Lebanon Aurélien Thienpont.
HI’s actions in South of Lebanon
HI has 87 employees in Lebanon. In response to the emergency in the South Lebanon in the last 11 months since the Gaza war escalated, HI has 4 partners and assisted the displaced population by:
- Providing 1,100 mobility aids (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.) and 2,314 packs of diapers for distribution by our partners
- Training 75 Lebanese civil security volunteers to include the needs of people with disabilities in evacuation preparedness and the management of displaced people
- Training 70 partner staff to provide psychological support for the displaced population
- Training 80 physical therapists in emergency rehabilitation, in partnership with the Lebanese Order of Physiotherapists and the International Committee of the Red Cross
- Conducting explosive ordnance risk education and conflict preparedness sessions for 5,200 participants
HI operations were halted for two days. The situation remains unpredictable. In coming days and weeks, HI will prioritize providing capacity and supply support to hospitals and partners. Should the situation escalate, we may face an acute housing shortage for displaced populations, further economic deterioration, and rising humanitarian needs.
This situation is even more alarming for people with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by the ongoing crises in Lebanon and have specific needs.
