Cologne/Beirut. As the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah intensifies, the humanitarian situation in the border region worsens daily. Attacks by Lebanese Hezbollah on Israeli territory, and retaliatory bombings by the Israeli army on parts of Lebanon, are becoming increasingly frequent. The fear of a widespread escalation throughout Lebanon is growing. In response to the dire situation, the Order of Malta Lebanon, in cooperation with Malteser International, is continuously adapting its aid measures in Lebanon to address the current needs.
Lisa Kramer, Malteser International's Country Coordinator for Lebanon, reports: "As always in conflict situations, it is the civilian population that suffers most. We are currently distributing hygiene items to displaced people in Lebanon. Additionally, we have two mobile medical clinics operating in the south of the country through our local partner to reach those without access to medical care or urgently needed medicines. However, daily adjustments to our deployment plans are necessary to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. We had to close a health facility in Yaroun due to the bombing and relocate it to a school. The work presents enormous challenges for our colleagues every day, but it is crucial that we continue our support and do not abandon the people in their time of need."
According to the United Nations, around 100,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon. On the Israeli side, 68,000 people have also been evacuated. Even before this renewed escalation, the people of Lebanon were already enduring one of the most devastating and complex crises in the country's modern history. The ongoing political and economic crisis, high unemployment, and rising food prices have driven approximately 80 percent of the Lebanese population below the poverty line. Malteser International has been active in Lebanon since 2012, focusing primarily on health and sustainable food security. The work on the ground is carried out by the Order of Malta Lebanon.
Malteser International (MI) is an international humanitarian aid organization of the Catholic Order of Malta, fulfilling the Order's mission of "helping those in need." The mission is to improve the health and living conditions of vulnerable and displaced people worldwide. The organization operates over 140 projects in 37 countries, providing assistance regardless of religion, political belief, origin, or gender. Its work is guided by Christian values and the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
Attention editors: Lisa Kramer, Country Coordinator for Lebanon at Malteser International, is available for interviews and sound bites. Contact: elena.becker@malteser-international.org
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Malteser Hilfsdienst e. V. IBAN: DE10 3706 0120 1201 2000 12 S.W.I.F.T.: GENODED 1PA7 Keyword: "Lebanon"
