UK charities call for ceasefire amid ‘chaos’ and ‘horrific’ scenes in Lebanon

NGOs are raising funds to help more than a million internally displaced refugees

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6 November 2024

The aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on a village near Tyre, southern Lebanon, on 30 October 2024. Photograph by Kawnat Haju/AFP/Getty Images

Israel’s ground invasion of southern Lebanon has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in the already beleaguered nation, leaving thousands dead and injured and more than 1.2 million refugees seeking shelter.

The latest stage of the continuing conflict in the Middle East began after handheld electronic devices used by members of the Iran-backed political and paramilitary group Hezbollah exploded in Lebanon in mid-September, killing at least 32 and injuring more than 3,000. In response, Iran launched almost 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel on 1 October.

Israel’s attacks on Lebanon have led to more than 2,800 deaths, including 178 children, and left 13,000 injured.

Hundreds of thousands have sought refuge in overcrowded shelters, including schools, delaying the academic year and impacting 350,000 children. The conflict has also overwhelmed Lebanon’s healthcare system with dozens of facilities shut down due to direct attacks or critical shortages. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), almost 500,000 civilians have fled the conflict and crossed over to Syria and Iraq.

International calls for ceasefires and humanitarian assistance have grown as the heavy toll on infrastructure and essential services risks long-term damage to Lebanon’s stability.

At an international aid conference for Lebanon in Paris on 24 October, almost £1bn was raised in pledges by 70 countries — including the US, Germany and Italy — for emergency aid. Muslim charities in the UK are also stepping up their fundraising efforts.

“It’s just lots of chaos right now,” said Sahirah Javaid, a spokesperson for the international charity Muslim Hands. “There’s lots of uncertainty and inflation right now. Lebanon has been experiencing economic adversity for such a long time. About 25 water sources have been destroyed, which will impact 300,000 people.

“Hospitals have been closed. Roads to the airport have been destroyed. Leaving the country is next to impossible. So, we’re just trying our best to navigate through it all.”

Alongside fundraising for food, medication and hygiene kits, Muslim Hands has also held TV appeals. On the anniversary of 7 October attacks, the charity raised £8.5m for aid for Gaza.

Islamic Relief is also focusing its efforts on Lebanon. As the country heads into winter, the charity is asking for donations of blankets and warm clothing.

“Our team on the ground is describing the situation as horrific, critical, and it’s getting worse every day,” said Shazia Arshad, a spokesperson for Islamic Relief. “They’re concerned that the scale of the crisis is larger than anticipated and they’re extremely anxious about what is coming in the next days and weeks.”

Islamic Relief is also calling on the UK government to put pressure on Israel to bring about a ceasefire and to ban all arms sales to the country. “We need to see a complete cessation of any hostilities so that civilians in Lebanon can live their lives in peace,” said Arshad.

Other charities that have launched emergency appeals include:

Medical Aid for Palestinians