The war is escalating. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing from the bombs. medico supports partner organizations in caring for the refugees.
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In his opening speech recently delivered at this year's UN General Assembly in New York, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the international community that Lebanon must not become "another Gaza". The people in the south of Lebanon may well have scenes from Gaza in their minds' eye these days as they climb into their cars or attempt to escape through other routes, fleeing the rain of bombs and shells that many see and hear not only in their home towns, but also on their way north.
The war between Hezbollah and Israel has been simmering for almost a year. Until recently, the shelling by both sides largely targeted the border regions of Lebanon and Israel, with drastic consequences for tens of thousands of civilians on both sides. Now Israel has massively intensified its attacks, plunging the entire population of Lebanon into a state of war. The large-scale pager and radio attacks staged last week, as well as Israeli attacks in the southern suburbs of Beirut, heralded what has now erupted in the bombing and shelling over the past few days: The Israeli government has made the decision to escalate the violence on a massive scale, thereby accepting "collateral damage" and displacement of the population in its attacks on Hezbollah.
In recent days, thousands of targets in almost all areas of Lebanon have been bombed by Israeli forces. Over 600 people have been killed and at least 1800 injured in the last few days alone. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing the south of the country, which has become a war zone. If they have no friends or relatives where they can find refuge, they are sleeping in schools that have been converted into emergency shelters provided by the government and are often run by local aid workers. Hospitals in the south are already overfilled and overcrowded, while schools have closed down in large parts of the country. Normal life has largely come to a standstill.
The war is hitting the people of Lebanon at a time of serious political and economic crisis. Around half of the population lives in poverty, hundreds of thousands of Syrians are living as refugees in the country and the healthcare infrastructure is long since bursting at the seams.
medicos partner organisations are intensifying their work these days – work that they have been performing for years in the crisis-ridden country. At the same time, they are providing refugees and displaced people in the few shelters and on the streets with the most basic necessities. And without knowing what to expect or how long it will take, they are preparing for the worst together with rest of the population.
medico is now providing emergency aid. We request your solidarity in the form of a donation for the people in Lebanon.
medico partner organizations are active
Perpetually in action
Employees of the Amel health organisation are currently treating injured people and refugees. They operate health centres throughout the country, including in southern Lebanon, and have six mobile clinics, where they offer basic healthcare for everyone.
Emergency aid for refugees
The Palestinian NGO Nashet helps refugees from southern Lebanon in Saida, distributing food and blankets to new arrivals, including Lebanese, Palestinians and Syrian refugees who had previously found refuge in the south and are now looking for a new safe haven.
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Our involvement in the global struggle for change is made possible by a large number of supporters. To ensure the independence and sustainability of our work, free donations, therefore donations un-tied to a specific purpose, and supporting memberships are particularly important. You can support the work of medico and our partners in many ways: As a supporting member, with your donation or your commitment to share our work.
