Christian Aid: Israel ground invasion spells disaster for people in Lebanon

Essential supplies being distributed to new arrivals at Nahr el-Bared Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli. Image: Christian Aid/Najdeh

Source: Christian Aid

As Israeli air strikes and ground invasion continue in southern Lebanon, the international development agency Christian Aid says the latest development pours more misery on to a country already struggling with multiple crises.

In response the charity's local partner, Najdeh, is supporting people who fled their homes in southern Lebanon to escape air strikes. Najdeh is providing mattresses, blankets, food, and other essentials to new arrivals at Nahr el-Bared Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli.

Christian Aid's Head of Asia, Middle East & Europe, Julie Mehigan said: "This ground invasion will spell disaster for people living in Lebanon and heap even more misery on a country that has already been through so much in recent years.

"More than a thousand people have been killed and we have already seen Israeli airstrikes devastate homes and villages across Lebanon.

"With estimates of up to a million already on the move, people are in desperate search of safety. For many, they will have nowhere to go but the streets of the capital, Beirut.

"With a ground invasion now underway, that trend of death, destruction and displacement will almost certainly spiral, with catastrophic humanitarian consequences for both the country and the wider region. It is vital that as much support as possible gets to people in need, and urgently."

The conflict has already caused significant damage to essential infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, while exacerbating the challenges faced by Lebanon - a country already strained by multiple crises, including a severe economic downturn and a significant refugee population.

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Christian Aid: www.christianaid.org.uk/