MECC Update on Lebanon

MECC Update on Lebanon

July 19, 2006

600,000 internally displaced people, 250 dead and 750 wounded following the eight-days Israeli war on Lebanon

July 19, 2006

600,000 internally displaced people, 250 dead and 750 wounded following the eight-days Israeli war on Lebanon

The Israeli war on Lebanon continues for the 8th day, to target the civilian population and the infrastructure of the country, disregarding all red lines, preventing relief, food and medicines offered by friendly states and non-governmental organizations to reach the villages and towns, totally destroying all villages and towns in South Lebanon as well as the southern suburbs of Beirut, most of the communication networks, preventing the efforts to save the wounded and remove the dead from under the collapsed buildings, and causing the forced displacement of 600,000 persons, the death of 250 and injuring 750.

The regions of Metn, Kesrouan and Shouf have received the displaced who fled under the continuous shelling and fire of the Israeli warplanes. The displaced are now awaiting for relief aid (food, mattresses, bedding and medicines) to reach them.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the Israeli war on Lebanon has totally paralyzed the movements of all Lebanese ports, the Beirut International Airport, all roads and bridges on the coast and in the mountains. These have been nearly totally destroyed.

Israelis have not spared the Lebanese Army either, by shelling their bases, leading to the death of 8 officers and 70 soldiers and injuring another 80.

Lebanon lives a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, especially what regards food and medicines. Hence, all efforts should be deployed by the international community, Churches and ecumenical councils and organizations worldwide to bring their support to ensure the basic requirements of the Lebanese population, and to work on a cease fire stopping the organized destruction and killing exercised by the Israeli war on Lebanon.

Guirgis I. Saleh
MECC General Secretary