The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed outrage over the emergency situation facing civilians in Lebanon on Independence Day, saying the ongoing war in the country is deepening uncertainty.
In the past few weeks, Israeli army airstrikes and ground operations have intensified, adding to the suffering of civilians stuck on the front lines of the war.
Ivo Friesen, the UN refugee agency’s representative in Lebanon, said the past few weeks had proved to be the deadliest in decades for Lebanon and its people.
About one million people have been displaced so far, i.e. one in five of the local population. Of these, 600,000 people have taken refuge in Syria.
As of November 20, 3,600 people have been confirmed dead, including more than 230 children, according to Lebanese authorities. More than 15 thousand people were injured.
In the context of this crisis, the United Nations Refugee Agency has appealed for international assistance to reach those in need during the winter season.
Attack on health services
Till date, assistance has been provided to over one lakh people and life saving equipment has been provided to 44 health networks across the country.
The World Health Organization says one in 10 hospitals have stopped business or reduced access to care because health centers, ambulances and medical workers have come under attack.
According to one estimate, 330 health workers have lost their lives in Lebanon since October 8 last year.
Disappointed with the current situation
Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UNHCR representative for Syria, said that more than 550,000 people have taken refuge in Syria since September 24.
Of these, 65 percent are Syrian nationals and the rest are Lebanese nationals. Crossing the border between Lebanon and Syria amid violent conflict is extremely risky for civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
However, due to the deteriorating situation in Syria and weak economic conditions, around 50 Lebanese citizens are returning to their country every day. Some Syrian nationals have been reported to return to Lebanon.
According to the UN agency, they are not getting enough support because they have no way to survive in Syria and they believe that the situation for them in Lebanon could be better.