Crisis in Lebanon: The Churches respond

Primate Calls Christians to pray and ACT issues Rapid Response Funds

In the past few days the escalation of violence has greatly disturbed me and all parties involved in the conflict need to be able to pause, take a step back and look for other solutions than those of guns tanks and bombs. It will take far more  courage to do this than to continue in the conflict. 
— A statement from the Primate, the Most Reverend Andrew S. Hutchison  concerning the violence in the Middle East

ACT International responds through its Rapid Response Fund

As the crisis in Lebanon escalates, Action by Churches Together (ACT) International co-ordinating office has approved US$ 55, 000 from its Rapid Response Fund to the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) to support 1,500 families, representing 12,000 persons with food (including supplementary food for infant and children) and non-food support.
According to latest reports from MECC, the indiscriminate targeting of the civilian population and infrastructure, disregarding all lines, is preventing relief workers reaching the affected villages and towns. The attacks have destroyed villages and towns in South Lebanon as well as the southern suburbs of Beirut.  Most of the communication networks are disrupted delaying the efforts to save the wounded and remove the dead from under the collapsed buildings. It is estimated that the attacks have caused the forced displacement of 600,000 persons, the death of 250 and injuring 750. Furthermore, all Lebanese ports, the Beirut International Airport, roads and bridges on the coast and in the mountains have been partially destroyed.

The regions of Metn, Kesrouan and Shouf have been receiving the displaced people who are fleeing under the continuous attacks. They are now awaiting relief aid (food, mattresses, bedding and medicines).

MECC is responding to the situation through the Inter- church Network for Development and Relief in Lebanon (ICNDR).

MECC will target internally displaced families primarily located in Saida, Mount Lebanon, Tripoli, Beirut and Begaa and families stranded and isolated in their villages and towns located in southern Lebanon and southern suburbs of Beirut.

A full ACT appeal will be issued as the situation is assessed and PWRDF will respond to the appeal once it is issued.