Amid rising global geopolitical tensions, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified significantly since last weekend, marked by cross‑border fire and subsequent retaliatory strikes.
Thousands of people are now fleeing their homes. CARE is mobilising a response to the displacement, focusing on providing food, water, hygiene kits and other vital items to people living in temporary shelters.
— Michael Adams, CARE International in Lebanon Country Director
“Strikes in Lebanon are continuing with increasing intensity. Already more than 30 people have been killed. This escalation is devastating for civilians, particularly those already living in precarious conditions.
We are seeing thousands of people fleeing their homes in South Lebanon, the Bekaa and other affected areas, many with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Children, women, girls, and older people are among those forced to leave everything behind, seeking safety in overcrowded communities and shelters while essential services struggle to cope with the growing needs. So far, 85 schools have already been turned into shelters (on March 2nd at 11pm AEDT) to accommodate displaced families. Almost 50 are already at full capacity.
CARE International in Lebanon is currently mobilising its teams and working alongside expert Lebanese partner organisations to organise the distribution of urgently needed goods, including shelter support, hygiene kits, and other essential items, to ensure that displaced families receive immediate assistance.
We urgently call for all parties to conflict to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the obligation to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, and to facilitate full, safe, immediate, and unimpeded humanitarian access to those affected.”
— Nour Kassab, Gender and Protection Coordinator, CARE International in Lebanon
“In 2024, I witnessed the horrors of conflict firsthand, moving from one shelter to another, distributing shampoo, pads, food, water, and other essential items to women, girls, and others who had fled their homes with nothing: absolutely nothing. Now, I am seeing this happen again, with women and girls forced to escape violence and seek refuge. I am currently working with the team to prepare the first distributions within the next 24 hours. So far, 85 shelters are open (on March 2nd at 11pm AEDT), and we are attending to all the necessary arrangements.”
For media enquiries contact Marianne Murat on 0466 440 160
About CARE Australia
CARE Australia supports women around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We work in partnership with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women that they have long been denied: the ability to earn an income, gain access to their fair share of resources, to lead and participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to be able to withstand the increasing impacts of climate disasters and other crises. www.care.org.au
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