The United Nations has more than doubled its funding appeal for Lebanon, seeking an additional $331.5 million to address a deteriorating humanitarian crisis. The total now stands at $639.9 million, up from an initial $308 million appeal in March.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 1.4 million people in Lebanon are in need of assistance. As of May 31, only $185.9 million had been received, aiding 680,000 people.

“The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is severe and deteriorating,” OCHA said. “Repeated displacements, insufficient shelter capacity and limited prospects for safe return are deepening vulnerability.”

Lebanon was drawn into the conflict in early March when the Iran-backed Hezbollah group fired rockets at Israel. Israel responded by sending troops into Lebanon and launching a major bombing campaign.

Lebanese authorities report over 3,500 killed in Israeli strikes since March, with nearly a million displaced. Israel says 26 of its soldiers and four civilians have been killed in Hezbollah attacks over the same period.

The UN World Food Program warned that rising fuel prices resulting from the Iran war are pushing millions closer to hunger, with households in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka among the worst affected.

Source: www.dw.com