The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Sunday the initiation of an emergency operation aimed at providing meals to one million individuals affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon.
''A further acceleration of the conflict this weekend underscored the need for an immediate humanitarian response,'' the UN agency stated. It revealed that it would be distributing ready-to-eat food rations, bread, hot meals and food parcels to shelters across the country.
Israel confirmed on Sunday that it was conducting new airstrikes targeting dozens of Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, just two days after the reported killing of the Iran-backed group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in bombing strikes outside Beirut. His death represents a significant escalation in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified following Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct.7, 2023.
The ongoing bombings in Lebanon are ''compounding the fragility of a population burdened by accumulated crises,'' the WFP highlighted. Thousands of displaced people have fled their homes following Israeli orders to evacuate areas in the south and the Bekaa Valley, further stressing the already precarious humanitarian situation.
In recent days, WFP assistance has already reached thousands of newly displaced individuals, according to Matthew Hollingworth, the program's country director for Lebanon.
''As the crisis deepens, we are preparing to assist up to one million people through a mix of cash and food support,'' he added, urging the international community to mobilize $105 million to fund the operation through the end of the year.
''Lebanon is at a breaking point and cannot endure another war,'' stated WFP regional director Corinne Fleischer, emphasizing the urgent need for international support to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.