Lebanon faces humanitarian crisis as bombardment escalates
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The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has reached alarming levels as nearly a quarter of the population has been displaced due to intensified Israeli bombardments targeting Hezbollah. Special correspondent Leila Milana Allen reports from Beirut, where the situation has deteriorated significantly over the past week, with the frequency of airstrikes escalating to as many as 30 strikes in a single night. The destruction has not only affected the suburbs of Beirut but has also spread to southern Lebanon, where evacuation orders are now in place for major population centers.
The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of approximately 1.2 million people, exacerbating an already dire situation in a country grappling with a prolonged political and economic crisis. With no functioning government for over two years, Lebanon lacks the infrastructure to adequately support the influx of displaced individuals. Many are forced to sleep in makeshift shelters or on the streets, often with little more than the belongings they could carry.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reported ground operations against Hezbollah, claiming to have cleared significant areas of subterranean tunnels used for weapon transport. However, heavy fighting continues, resulting in casualties on both sides, with at least eight IDF soldiers confirmed dead.
As the conflict escalates, the United Nations refugee agency has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. Local charities are struggling to provide support, and many shelters are overwhelmed or closed. The lack of air raid sirens and bomb shelters leaves civilians vulnerable, forcing them to flee into the streets during attacks.
Efforts by Western governments to evacuate their citizens are ongoing, with the U.S. State Department reporting the successful evacuation of around 500 Americans in recent weeks. However, commercial flight options are dwindling, and the only airline currently operating in and out of Beirut is Middle East Airlines. The precarious situation at the airport, located near heavily bombarded areas, raises concerns about the feasibility of continued evacuations.
With borders to Israel and Syria largely closed to civilians, there are fears of a mass evacuation by sea as the conflict shows no signs of abating. The U.S. government is reportedly working towards establishing a ceasefire, but the immediate future remains uncertain for those caught in the crossfire of this escalating crisis.
The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of approximately 1.2 million people, exacerbating an already dire situation in a country grappling with a prolonged political and economic crisis. With no functioning government for over two years, Lebanon lacks the infrastructure to adequately support the influx of displaced individuals. Many are forced to sleep in makeshift shelters or on the streets, often with little more than the belongings they could carry.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reported ground operations against Hezbollah, claiming to have cleared significant areas of subterranean tunnels used for weapon transport. However, heavy fighting continues, resulting in casualties on both sides, with at least eight IDF soldiers confirmed dead.
As the conflict escalates, the United Nations refugee agency has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. Local charities are struggling to provide support, and many shelters are overwhelmed or closed. The lack of air raid sirens and bomb shelters leaves civilians vulnerable, forcing them to flee into the streets during attacks.
Efforts by Western governments to evacuate their citizens are ongoing, with the U.S. State Department reporting the successful evacuation of around 500 Americans in recent weeks. However, commercial flight options are dwindling, and the only airline currently operating in and out of Beirut is Middle East Airlines. The precarious situation at the airport, located near heavily bombarded areas, raises concerns about the feasibility of continued evacuations.
With borders to Israel and Syria largely closed to civilians, there are fears of a mass evacuation by sea as the conflict shows no signs of abating. The U.S. government is reportedly working towards establishing a ceasefire, but the immediate future remains uncertain for those caught in the crossfire of this escalating crisis.
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