Mikati, UN agency team up for $400 million relief effort for Lebanon

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Oct 2024 15:31

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has declared that Lebanon is facing "one of the most dangerous phases of its history" as the country deals with the aftermath of an Israeli aggression.

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Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati delivers his remarks during the 78th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, United States, on September 21, 2023. (UN)

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated on Tuesday that Lebanon is experiencing "one of the most dangerous phases of its history" and called on the United Nations to provide assistance for the one million people displaced due to relentless Israeli airstrikes.

"About a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon," said Mikati as reported by National News Agency.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he emphasized the urgent need for additional aid to support ongoing efforts to assist displaced civilians during a meeting with UN representatives.

In response, the UN humanitarian agency announced it is collaborating with Mikati to appeal for over $400 million to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Israeli aggression on Lebanon.

"Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza today launched a $426 million flash appeal to mobilize urgent resources for civilians affected by the escalating conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis in Lebanon," stated the UN humanitarian agency OCHA.

UNICEF chief 'deeply concerned' over humanitarian situation in Lebanon

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed concern on Monday about the massacre of children in recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon. "I am deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Over the last week, at least 80 children have reportedly been killed in attacks, while hundreds more have been injured," Russell said on X.

She said that the number of people internally displaced by the violence has spiked to more than one million, including over 300,000 children, citing government reports. "Thousands of children and families are now living in the streets or in shelters; many having fled their homes without essential supplies and belongings. Humanitarian conditions are growing worse by the hour," Russell said.

Stressing that UNICEF and its partners are active in Lebanon, reaching children and families with essential support, she noted that teams deliver drinking water, medical supplies, mattresses, blankets, and hygiene and baby kits. "We are providing health and nutrition, child protection, and psychosocial support services for children."

"But as the violence intensifies, so do the humanitarian needs. Any ground offensive or further escalation in Lebanon would make a catastrophic situation for children even worse. Such an outcome must be avoided at all costs," she said, calling for an urgent cessation of what she dubbed "hostilities".

UNICEF reiterated its call for all parties to protect children and civilian infrastructure and to ensure that humanitarian workers can safely reach those in need, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law, she added.

Earlier on Monday, The Guardian reported that the events of the last several months, as well as the recent assault on Lebanon, illustrate that "Israel" poses a threat to its neighbors and not vice versa. The report recalls the killing of 558 Lebanese people in one day, 50 of whom were children. First responders, humanitarian workers, and government personnel are also not spared.

After the attack that killed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday destroyed six Beirut residential buildings, The Guardian contended that "a Gaza in microcosm is quickly unfolding," with thousands fleeing for safety, traumatized children, heavy fatalities, and an escalation in which there is no limit to the civilian lives that may be lost to achieve "Israel's" aims.