Osnabrück, October 1, 2024 – The children's rights organization Terre des Hommes is deeply concerned about the safety of the civilian population in Lebanon, as well as the staff and children in its projects. Two of the community centers where Terre des Hommes partner organization FEMALE runs projects for girls have already been hit by bombs: The center in Deir el Zahrani in southern Lebanon was completely destroyed. The center in the Bekaa Valley in the east was severely damaged.
Up to one million people are fleeing the escalating violence in Lebanon. According to the UN, more than 100,000 people have already crossed the border into Syria.
"The refugees depend on emergency shelters," says Joshua Hofert, spokesperson for the board of Terre des Hommes . "Therefore, the remaining community centers in Beirut and Tripoli have been repurposed: FEMALE is providing urgently needed assistance there for children and their families." They will not only receive safe haven, but will also be provided with food, clean water, hygiene products, and medicine. Terre des Hommes to provide aid to refugees in Syria. Donations are urgently needed.
The war in Lebanon has escalated further in recent days. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, over 1,500 people have been killed since the outbreak of fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, including more than 100 children. Over 8,000 people have been injured.
"People are very afraid because they know from the situation in Gaza that many civilian casualties are accepted by the warring parties in order to achieve military objectives," said Joshua Hofert. "The concern that there will also be numerous civilian casualties in Lebanon during attacks on Hezbollah is shared by all our partners in Lebanon." This military logic must stop: Children, women, and all civilians urgently need protection.
You can find the Terre des Hommes Help children in Lebanon !
For further information and interviews: Henriette Hänsch, email: h.haensch@tdh.de , phone: +49 541