Responding to the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon

Lebanon is facing yet another nightmare. The recent escalation of attacks from Israel has thrown the country into chaos, with families desperately trying to find safety. Schools have been forced to close, and roads are gridlocked with people fleeing their homes, unsure of where to go next. The coastal road is packed with displaced families-some stopping in Saida, others pushing further north-while uncertainty hangs over everything.

This crisis is affecting Lebanese citizens along with the hundreds of thousands of Syrian and Palestinian refugees who live in areas under attack and already vulnerable.

The situation is compounding the pre-existing, multi-layered crises Lebanon has been dealing with-from economic collapse to deteriorating infrastructure. Now, with the country in turmoil, the need for coordinated and immediate humanitarian action is greater than ever.

Our Anera staff in Lebanon are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with other entities responding on the ground, including UN agencies. We're doing everything possible to avoid duplicating efforts, focusing on providing essential support like food, mattresses/bedding, clothing, medicines, medical supplies and hygiene items to those in need. And we're prepared to respond immediately. Anera's past experience with emergency response efforts, coordination with vendors, and deep ties in the communities we serve makes us uniquely positioned to respond effectively and efficiently at a moment's notice.

Anera's Team and Coordination

Despite the chaos, our team remains safe and ready to assist. Our staff is in all areas of the country - from north to south. A few of our colleagues have themselves been displaced, staying with family members, but they remain committed to our response. Other staff members have even offered their homes to their colleagues. Connectivity issues have made communication challenging, but our teams are working around the clock to ensure we are in touch with key partners and sectors.

Anera's Swift Response

Over the weekend, Anera authorized additional resources for an immediate response focusing on several priority areas and relief items, particularly in the areas of food, hygiene, and health, a crucial lifeline for families who have lost everything in the current violence. To deliver the aid, our cooking students are stepping up to prepare hot meals, ready-to-eat meals, and food parcels for those who need them.

As families take refuge wherever they can, many are left without basic necessities. And with the colder months approaching, our team is ready to distribute winter items such as clothing and sleeping bags. We're also working on assembling mattresses, blankets, kitchen utensils, and hygiene kits to help displaced families survive the harsh conditions.

Integral to our delivering clothing and core relief items are our vocational sewing course graduates, who make the clothes, blankets and sleeping bags - their specialty - from scratch within Lebanon. They have already produced the first round of bedding and clothing materials and currently have thousands of units ready to be distributed.

Navigating Uncertainty

The situation is fluid, and we don't yet know where people will find shelter. This uncertainty makes our response complex, but we are prepared to adapt as needed. Our team is already delivering emergency supplies, including shipments from Direct Relief, directly to Hariri Hospital and other healthcare facilities across the country. As more needs arise, Anera will expand our reach, ensuring that aid is delivered swiftly and efficiently.

Lebanon's Crisis Mirrors Gaza's Struggles

Sadly, the scenes unfolding in Lebanon's villages mirror those we've seen in Gaza over the past eleven months. The violence and displacement are eerily similar, as families are torn from their homes with nowhere to go. But, just as we are standing with Gaza, Anera is standing with Lebanon. Our teams on the ground are working round-the-clock to provide support and relief for their neighbors as they face overwhelming adversity.

Within the next 48 hours, Anera will ramp up its response, delivering more aid to families affected by this conflict. We are everywhere, ready to help, because we know that when people need us, we must act. Together, with your support, we will ensure that families in Lebanon have the resources they need to survive this crisis.