BEIRUT — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has initiated an urgent appeal for support on an international scale to aid Lebanon amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The organization emphasized the need for protection for medical personnel operating in the region, as the hostilities have resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands of individuals, particularly over the past six weeks.
During a visit to Beirut, Jagan Chapagain, the secretary-general of the Federation, expressed that the humanitarian needs are escalating quickly. He engaged with officials and visited shelters that are currently accommodating those displaced by the warfare.
The Federation’s emergency fund request totals 100 million Swiss Francs (approximately $115.8 million) intended to support both Lebanon and the Lebanese Red Cross in light of the ongoing conflict. The war, which has persisted for 13 months, has claimed over 3,000 lives and resulted in more than 13,000 injuries within Lebanon, while hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals find refuge in shelters across the country, which is facing a significant economic crisis.
In addition, the conflict has exacted a toll in northern Israel, where reports indicate that 68 soldiers and 41 civilians have lost their lives since October 2023. The prime minister’s office also noted that more than 60,000 individuals have been displaced from their residences.
The situation intensified significantly on September 23, marked by aggressive Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as in southern Beirut, leading to hundreds of fatalities and displacing almost 1.2 million people.
Chapagain highlighted the urgent need for essential supplies, such as hygiene kits, non-food items, blankets, and heating devices, as winter approaches. He underlined that even in the event of a ceasefire, it will require time for a return to normalcy, which is one reason for the IFRC’s two-year emergency appeal.
“Global collaboration is essential to reach a political resolution for the long-standing challenges of this region,” Chapagain stressed.
He also mentioned the alarming statistics regarding the safety of humanitarian workers, revealing that over 30 staff members and volunteers globally have lost their lives this year, with many more injured; various organizations have also faced losses among their personnel.
“This situation is unprecedented compared to previous years,” he remarked regarding the number of fatalities, noting that Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and Sudan are among the hardest-hit areas for paramedics.
In Lebanon, 17 members of the Lebanese Red Cross have sustained injuries while executing rescue operations since the conflict ignited, with three of those volunteers suffering injuries on two separate occasions, according to the Federation.
Chapagain reaffirmed, “The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems are safeguarded and should be respected.”