Lebanon: UN launches $426 million appeal as conflict threatens ‘humanitarian and human rights catastrophe’
AMID the start of a reported Israeli ground offensive against the Hezbollah armed group in southern Lebanon and fears of more civilian suffering, the UN launched an urgent humanitarian appeal on Tuesday to support those most in need in the country. The three-month, $426 million flash appeal launched by the UN and partners together with the Lebanese Government, will address “rapidly escalating” needs for food and other survival supplies, shelter, education and protection of civilians, said UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office (OCHA) spokesperson Jens Laerke. Widespread Israeli shelling has already forced one million people to flee their homes and Mr…