Oxfam Responds in Middle East, Calls for Ceasefire
24 July 2006
Oxfam is responding to help innocent people caught up in the escalating crisis in the Middle East. With our staff and partners we are providing practical help now -- and calling on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease the military attacks that are causing suffering to civilians in Lebanon, Gaza and Israel.
In Gaza, we are providing water and sanitation support, and providing for the formation of 2 additional emergency mobile medical teams. This will be used for medication and medical supplies, staff salaries and generators and fuel.
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is becoming increasingly acute, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 600,000 people have fled their homes for safer areas. Oxfam has sent a rapid response team to the region which includes specialists in water & sanitation, livelihoods, public health, logistics and communications. The public health situation is of great concern as, although water is still generally available, sanitation facilities are limited. Oxfam’s public health specialists will urgently address this issue.
Most of the displaced people have come from areas in the south under bombardment, and have moved to Beirut and the north. In Beirut itself, where some areas have come under Israeli bombing many thousands are homeless. The majority are staying in schools and government buildings, with others settling in camps.
Additionally, we are working through our network of partner organizations in Lebanon, where Oxfam has been active since 1993, to coordinate the delivery of emergency assistance to families displaced by the conflict. This work will focus on providing humanitarian relief and support to displaced people sheltered in schools, mosques, with host families, and in refugee camps. To date Oxfam has committed $1,150,000 for vital distributions of food, bedding, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, with a particular emphasis on disabled people and other vulnerable groups.
