The United Nations on Friday announced it is doubling its humanitarian funding appeal for Lebanon to meet surging needs as the conflict enters its fourth month. Lebanon became embroiled in the broader regional war in early March when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran, which was under US-Israeli attack, triggering a major Israeli air and ground campaign.
Alarming Civilian Toll
"In the past three months, communities across Lebanon have faced an appalling situation due to the escalation of hostilities," said Imran Riza, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. "The toll on civilians is alarming and worsening by the day." The UN will launch a fresh aid appeal with the Lebanese government seeking an additional $331.5 million to assist 1.4 million people, bringing the total appeal to $639.9 million. As of May 31, only $185.9 million had been received.
Rising Casualties and Food Insecurity
Since March 2, more than 3,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Lebanese authorities, whose data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The crisis is rapidly eroding food security, with nearly one in four people in Lebanon—around 1.24 million individuals—expected to face crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity through August, according to the UN. Riza described meeting a family in the southern city of Tyre, heavily targeted by Israeli strikes, who had been displaced five times. He noted that airstrikes and scorched agricultural land have damaged hospitals and clinics.
Ceasefire Rejected
A new US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon, announced on Wednesday, was contingent on Hezbollah leaving southern areas. However, the militant group rejected the proposal, and Israel stated it would not withdraw troops from the country.
