|PIC1|Action by Churches Together (ACT) International is continuing with its relief effort in Lebanon through its member in the area, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

The MECC has been reaching out to people who have been left displaced by the Israeli bombardment of their country through a relief operation being led by the MECC’s Inter-Church Network for Development and Relief (ICNDR).

The initial critical phase has included the distribution of food and essential non-food items to the most vulnerable families sheltering in schools and in church property in Beirut.

The relief operation has been hampered, however, by problems brought on by the ongoing conflict and failed pauses in the fighting.

"Safe passage for aid convoys remains a major problem,” said general secretary of the MECC, Guirgis Saleh. “Similarly, fuel availability, rising prices and clean water in south Lebanon, are of growing concern to each and every one.”|AD|

A US$4.6 million appeal was launched by ACT last week in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon. The gathered funds will support the relief work being undertaken by the MECC and another ACT member, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), on behalf of the ACT global alliance.

Mr Saleh reported that ICNDR relief workers were able to distribute 390 food parcels and hygiene items to families who have fled the conflict zone in the south and southern Beirut.

The large scale trucking of water to some of the centres currently sheltering around 1,700 displaced people in Beirut has also begun while work continues on the construction of shower facilities.

Mr Saleh denounced the conflict in Lebanon and has called for an immediate ceasefire.