UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza and Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh al-Shami made the announcement in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday, setting a target to continue emergency aid efforts until March 2025.
Earlier, in the wake of the crisis caused by fighting between Israel and Hezbollah last year, a surprise appeal of $425 million was issued for aid efforts in the three months to October 2024.
Subsequently, on Tuesday, an additional appeal of $371.4 million was made for the period January to March 2025, which will provide immediate relief to Lebanese nationals, Syrian and Palestinian refugees and migrants.
Major priorities include providing food aid, winter relief, critical repairs, and other assistance including health care, water, and education needs.
The application is separate from the Humanitarian Assistance Action Plan for Lebanon, a comprehensive framework for humanitarian assistance and stabilization efforts in the country.
UN official Imran Riza said that although Lebanon has been in a serious crisis for the past 15 years, 2024 is going to be one of the darkest years for the country with widespread destruction.
Conflict stings, still
Violent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah began in October 2023 against the backdrop of the Gaza War, but escalated in late September 2024. More than 4,000 people died, 16,000 were injured and more than 1 million were displaced.
Destruction of homes, infrastructure and essential services in Lebanon has worsened the situation for already struggling citizens.
The humanitarian coordinator said that despite a pause in the violent conflict, 1.25 lakh people are still displaced and millions are trying to return to their homes and find their way forward.
This war also has a deep psychological impact on the civilians and the people are in deep shock, which may continue for them for many years to come.
Application for support
Imran Riza appealed for international support in order to bring Lebanon out of the crisis and start the recovery process in the country.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is providing much-needed supplies and food aid to children and families returning from Syria.
Akhil Iyer, the representative of UNICEF in Lebanon, said that this aid operation has started in many areas with humanitarian aid agencies in Lebanon. According to him, continuous funding and resources will be needed to stabilize the situation in the country and help the poor.