The European Union, through UNICEF, delivers 45 tons of emergency supplies to support families affected by escalating violence in Lebanon

The European Union, through UNICEF, delivers 45 tons of emergency supplies to support families affected by escalating violence in Lebanon

As hostilities continue to escalate across Lebanon and displacement rises, the European Union, through support to UNICEF, has delivered 45 metric tons of emergency supplies to support families affected by the conflict. The supplies were handed over to the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) to help meet urgent humanitarian needs.

The shipment includes essential emergency items to support children and families displaced by violence, including first aid kits, blankets, winter clothing, plastic mats, water tanks, adolescent kits, early childhood development kits, recreation kits, and other emergency supplies. These items will be distributed through shelters and response centers to support families who have been forced to flee their homes.

The latest escalation of violence has triggered new waves of displacement across the country, with thousands of families seeking safety in collective shelters and host communities. Children are bearing the brunt of the crisis, facing disruption to their safety, well-being, education and access to essential services.

Minister of social affairs, Hanin Sayed said: "As the Ministry of Social Affairs leads the management of shelters and coordinates humanitarian assistance on the ground, this EU-supported shipment delivered through UNICEF strengthens our capacity to respond quickly and ensure essential supplies reach displaced children and families. In a crisis of this scale, international support is vital, and we thank the European Union and UNICEF for their continued solidarity with Lebanon."

EU Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, said: "Today's humanitarian air bridge marks the first flight to Lebanon to support people affected by the conflict. In this challenging context, and building on our ongoing assistance, we are further strengthening our humanitarian support in Lebanon. This shipment of emergency supplies will be delivered to the Ministry of Social Affairs to assist families in need." She added: "There are already too many civilian casualties, including many women and children. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be spared."

This shipment is part of the European Union's continued humanitarian support to Lebanon, including assistance delivered through the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge and other emergency response mechanisms to support populations affected by the conflict.

"In the face of escalating violence and growing displacement, children and families urgently need protection and basic supplies to cope with the crisis," said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. "This generous contribution from the European Union will help UNICEF and partners reach the most vulnerable children and their families with essential assistance when they need it most."

UNICEF continues to work closely with the Government of Lebanon and humanitarian partners to scale up its response, providing life-saving assistance including health services, safe water, child protection, education support, emergency supplies and cash assistance to families affected by the conflict.