Lebanon at a crossroads

Sir, – We welcome the Irish Government’s decision to call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza as the ongoing tragic events in Gaza and Israel spill over to neighbouring countries.

Once again, Lebanon is at a crossroads as we witness families bracing for the worst as the imminent danger of being dragged into this highly complex crisis is on their doorstep.

The sight of families fleeing southern Lebanon for the relative safety of Beirut, awakens the trauma of the 2006 war in which more than 1,000 people died and saw much of the country’s infrastructure levelled. Tracing their footsteps north is all too grimly familiar.

The country’s economic and financial tailspin over the past five years and the collapse of its once prestigious health systems, have rendered the country much more vulnerable to the terrible humanitarian fallout that would ensue from the onset of all-out war. Substantial humanitarian assistance will be needed given Lebanon’s precarious reality.

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The Lebanese people have remained remarkably resilient in coping and adapting to their new realities, but this new round of hostilities will further strain weakened health infrastructure and public services.

The complexity of this conflict cannot be overstated.

As a humanitarian organisation, we support the call for an immediate ceasefire, to avert the needless suffering of thousands of families, women, and children. In the days ahead, as people prepare for a long hard winter, GOAL, along with partners, will support populations caught in this conflict. – Yours etc,

SIOBHÁN WALSH,

Chief executive,

GOAL,

Co Dublin.