The intensification of attacks in Lebanon in recent days threatens to plunge the country into a humanitarian crisis, exacerbating an already fragile situation. Doctors of the World is calling for an immediate de-escalation and is responding to the emergency in order to protect and assist those affected by the conflict.
Intensification of attacks
In recent days, several Israeli strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon have left 569 people dead, including 94 women and 50 children, and 1,835 injured. This situation exacerbates the humanitarian challenges that Lebanon already faces, particularly in terms of health, access to water, food security and shelter.
Doctors of the World teams are observing significant population movements fleeing the bombings in the south of the country. This poses a major risk to the health of these people who are forced to interrupt their care pathways. Furthermore, these movements are also weakening the health system because emergency structures are congested.
International humanitarian law must be respected
We recall that international humanitarian law protects civilian populations in conflicts and must be respected. The distinction between civilians and combatants is paramount, and all precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of the former. We call on all parties to protect civilian populations and health care facilities, such as medical and humanitarian personnel, who are essential to meeting the health needs of the injured and displaced.
Doctors of the World launches emergency response
In this context of the crisis, Doctors of the World is mobilizing its resources to respond to urgent needs . Our teams are ready to provide medical care via mobile teams, traveling to the most affected areas and to displaced populations to facilitate access to care for those affected.
At the same time, Doctors of the World is supporting the Lebanese health system. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health to assess needs and provide the medical equipment and medicines needed to respond to the influx of patients. We are also strengthening our partnerships to ensure the continuity of essential health care.
The escalation of violence in Lebanon is directly linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and we recall that an immediate and lasting ceasefire is a vital emergency for the Palestinian population of Gaza as it is for the Lebanese population today.
Photograph
Fadel Itani – AFP