Since March 1, Lebanon has once again been affected by a series of Israeli strikes, particularly in the regions of Nabatiyeh, Beirut, and the Bekaa. The toll (updated as of March 13) stands at 687 people killed and 1,774 injured, while the bombings have caused significant material damage.
The attacks have also led to massive population displacement. The attacks have also led to massive population displacement. At present (updated as of March 13), more than 822,600 people have already been forced to flee their homes, a figure that is likely underestimated as the situation continues to evolve.
Many families have taken refuge in makeshift shelters. Among the displaced are women, children, elderly people, as well as patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma who are at risk of having their treatment interrupted.
Less than 18 months after the last attacks that affected the country, Lebanon is once again facing the consequences of escalating tensions in the Middle East, in a context already marked by significant economic and health fragility.
Mehad prepares an emergency assessment mission
Faced with the rapidly deteriorating situation, Mehad launches an emergency mission to Lebanon.
The initial aim of this mission is to assess the most urgent needs in several affected areas, including Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, Saida and Nabatiyeh, if security conditions allow access to these regions.
Mehad teams also plan to meet with potential partners and local health actors to identify priorities and coordinate an appropriate medical response for displaced populations.
Objective: to deploy mobile clinics in order to facilitate access to healthcare for people who have fled the fighting, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses whose treatments risk being interrupted.
If the security situation changes and people are able to return to the south of the country, Mehad could also support the clinic in Deir Mimas, which the organisation has already assisted in the past.
In a context where humanitarian needs are likely to increase rapidly, this assessment mission should enable an appropriate medical response to be provided as quickly as possible to the populations affected by the violence.
