Middle East Crisis: Protection of civilians must be the priority

Statement from George Graham, Chief Executive of Humanity & Inclusion UK

“As humanitarians, we are extremely concerned by the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Lebanon and the expansion of the conflict into the wider region. Civilians on all sides are suffering as a result.
 
Humanity & Inclusion and its partners have been providing emergency support to vulnerable people in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon since violence escalated in October 2023.
 
Our team in Gaza is working in conditions of extreme insecurity, with most of our staff and volunteers having been displaced from their homes repeatedly over the last 12 months. But even in these horrendous conditions, they are continuing to work tirelessly to support the most vulnerable people, distributing relief supplies and providing emergency rehabilitation and psychological care.
 
In Lebanon, half of the 86 members of our team have been forced to flee the recent bombing and to seek temporary accommodation. We are currently identifying the most urgent needs in the areas affected by the fighting and will adapt our operations accordingly.
 
Among those displaced, older people, disabled people and wounded civilians are the worst-affected by the current situation. Supporting them is our top priority.
 
Humanity & Inclusion is calling on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease all hostilities in the region, for hostages to be released, and for humanitarian assistance to be allowed to reach all affected communities immediately and unconditionally in order to prevent further suffering.”
 
George Graham
Chief Executive, Humanity & Inclusion UK

Notes

Spokespersons:
•    George Graham, Chief Executive, Humanity & Inclusion UK ( based in London)
•    Zeina Salhani, Operations Manager for Humanity & Inclusion in Lebanon (based in Beirut)

HI’s activities in Lebanon:

HI provides assistance to those most vulnerable and affected by multiple crises in Lebanon. Since October 2023 and in addition to regular programming, HI has been working to enhance the preparedness of health facilities for mass-casualty intake by enhancing both capacities of medical staff and increasing stocks of medical equipment. HI also provided additional support for people living in displacement, with a particular focus on addressing the urgent needs of persons with disabilities and their caregivers. Should the hostilities continue, and the crisis become prolonged, humanitarian needs are going to increase drastically and deployment of a massive emergency response will likely be needed along with long-term, continued support for the affected communities, all amidst the dwindling funding for Lebanon that is already insufficient to cover the basic needs.

HI’s rehabilitation work in Gaza

HI rehabilitation teams comprise 232 professionals who are working tirelessly in these extreme conditions to assist those in need of rehabilitation services. Between October 2023 and August 2024, HI organised 157,191 nursing care sessions (wound dressing), 169,761 physical therapy sessions, 57,692 occupational therapy sessions and 48,190 psychological first aid sessions. We also supplied 2,500 mobility aids, such as crutches and wheelchairs, and 8,076 non-food items, including wound dressing, first aid, hygiene and dignity kits.