Aid agencies call for immediate ceasefire as Beirut suffers greater bombardment

Caritas team in Lebanon

Source: CAFOD

CAFOD is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, alongside the Catholic church and other aid agencies. Following a dramatic surge in violence over the past two weeks, more than 1,000 people have been killed and over 2,500 injured.

CAFOD is responding to the crisis in Lebanon alongside local community groups and partners, by: supporting displaced families in Ein El Helweh camp (the largest Palestinian refugee camp in the country); equipping shelters with basic provisions (such as food, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses); and providing specialist support to women and girls at risk of violence.

Hombeline Dulière, CAFOD Representative for Syria and Lebanon, said: "The situation is dire. Civilians are running out of safe spaces. More than 1 million people are displaced, with many sleeping in parks or streets due to overcrowded or restrictive shelters.

"It is difficult to keep hope in this situation; the needs are enormous. But the work our partners and community groups are doing to support those in need is extremely inspiring.

"We're calling for an immediate ceasefire to avoid any further casualties."

Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, recently expressed harsh criticism for the US-led war, saying those involved should "leave Lebanon alone".

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the most senior member of the Catholic church based in Jerusalem, said: "The abuse and manipulation of God's name to justify this and any other war is the gravest sin we can commit at this time."

Pope Leo recently made a "heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm".