US charity suspends aid work in south Lebanon
The aid group Action Against Hunger said it is temporarily pausing activities in southern Lebanon due to “the recent escalation of violence”, including the “devastating” air raid that killed a Hezbollah commander in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
“The violence is taking an intolerable toll on civilian lives, and we urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and the work of humanitarian organizations like ours,” said Action Against Hunger Country Director Suzanne Takkenberg.
The nongovernmental organisation said its programmes were continuing in the rest of the country.
🚨🇱🇧Nearly 100,000 people have been displaced by conflict in Southern #Lebanon. Action Against Hunger is temporarily pausing programs there due to security concerns, but continuing programs in the rest of the country. Read more here: https://t.co/kf2PF0UEbI @ACF_MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/O3Fm1l9bnf
— Action Against Hunger US (@acfusa) August 6, 2024
The US charity said the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has worsened hunger in the country with food prices skyrocketing and farmland and livestock destroyed.
“340,000 farm animals have been killed and 47,000 olive trees and nearly 2,000 acres [809 hectares] of agriculture land have been destroyed, resulting in 70% losses for farmers,” the group said in a statement.
The use of white phosphorus munitions and explosives is affecting the fertility of the land, while the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, schools, electricity and water supply facilities “has had very serious impacts,” the NGO said.
A staff member said: “Everyone we work with seems very concerned that the violence will continue to escalate. We are already seeing thousands of people injured, many of them complaining about food and water shortages, or the effects of white phosphorus on their fields and related loss of their livelihoods.”
Israel must act against Lebanon with ‘greatest force’: Israeli energy minister
Israel’s energy minister, Eli Cohen, has said Israel must act strongly against Lebanon, as Hezbollah continues to strike at Israel with escalating drone and missile attacks.
“One clear message needs to be conveyed here. Anyone who harms Israel will pay a heavy price. Look at Gaza,” Cohen told Israel’s Ynet news site. “As far as I’m concerned, the political hourglass has run out,” he added.
Cohen also said Israelis in the north should not “panic” about the volatile security situation, saying many continue to go out and enjoy their “summer vacation”.
