Radio Havana Cuba | The United Nations warns of a tragic humanitarian catastrophe in Lebanon as a result of Israel’s genocidal war of aggression

UNITED NATIONS, October 15 (RHC) – United Nations agencies have called for an urgent increase in funding to address Lebanon’s spiraling humanitarian crisis as the Israeli military continues its offensive against Hezbollah.

UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP) warned in a joint statement on Tuesday that the fighting that has displaced hundreds of thousands in Lebanon had “triggered a catastrophe.”

“We are preparing for the reality that needs are increasing,” the agencies said. “We need additional funding, without conditions.”

Lebanese officials said 1.2 million people were affected by the conflict, in which Israel has carried out air strikes on Beirut and many other parts of Lebanon and sent ground troops to the south.

“Around 1.2 million people are affected, with significant impacts on vulnerable communities,” the statement said. “Almost 190,000 displaced people are currently housed in over 1,000 facilities, while hundreds of thousands more are seeking protection from family and friends.” In addition, hundreds of thousands have entered Syria, the statement said, making humanitarian aid even more difficult.

The UN agencies say they are working to provide vital support. WFP meets the needs of around 200,000 people every day with ready-to-eat food and cash.

UNICEF said it is providing essential support to children and families, including basic medical supplies, water and hygiene kits, mattresses and blankets, and psychosocial support services, in collaboration with the Lebanese government.

The agency warned of a “lost generation” in Lebanon, saying 400,000 children had been displaced in the three weeks since major hostilities broke out.

There is growing concern about the impact on civilians of Israeli attacks, which the military insists have targeted Hezbollah facilities. The human rights office reported Tuesday that the majority of the 22 people killed in an attack on the northern village of Aito on Monday were women and children and called for a “prompt, independent and thorough investigation.”

“What we are hearing is that among the 22 people killed were 12 women and two children,” a spokesman said, adding that this raises “real concerns about… the laws of war and the principles of distinction, proportion and proportionality.”

A U.N. refugee agency official said new Israeli evacuation orders for 20 villages in southern Lebanon resulted in more than a quarter of the country being affected. “People are following these calls to evacuate and are fleeing with almost nothing,” she said.

Meanwhile, there is little sign that the fighting is easing. The Israeli army reported on Tuesday it had launched 200 attacks across Lebanon in the past 24 hours, expanding its attacks against Hezbollah. The Lebanese group also said it carried out a rocket attack on the Tel Aviv suburbs overnight.

[ SOURCE:  PRESS TV ]