Christian Aid: Any ceasefire must include Lebanon

Source: Christian Aid

Yesterday, Wednesday 8 April, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire in the war, mediated by Pakistan. But it was later announced that this pause in the war did not apply to Lebanon. Within a few hours it became clear that Israel's onslaught on Lebanon was continuing unabated.

The escalation of Israeli airstrikes has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, creating a dire environment for civilians and aid workers alike. Agencies highlight the difficulty of delivering aid safely due to ongoing violence and targeted disruptions. More tnan 1.2 million people have been displaced or in urgent need of support.

United Nations organizations, including WHO and UNHCR, have been providing critical medical aid to Lebanon's health ministry to help cope with the crisis, but the need far exceeds current resources. Overall, aid agencies are calling for increased international support and urgent humanitarian access to prevent further deterioration of the situation and to save lives amid the conflict

Christian Aid's Head of Middle East Advocacy, William Bell, commented: "Any ceasefire must include Lebanon. Israel cannot be allowed to continue bombing and displacing innocent civilians at will in a country where almost a quarter have already been forced to leave their homes.

"As with Gaza, a ceasefire has to mean exactly that: an end to all military activity by all. Not a continuation of killing and misery."