Crisis in Lebanon: Disease Threat and Food Insecurity Loom

The WHO warns of potential disease outbreaks in Lebanon owing to crowded shelters and hospital closures amid ongoing conflict. Israeli and Hezbollah clashes have escalated, causing mass displacement. The agricultural sector is severely affected, leading to concerns over Lebanon's food security and inadequate medical support in the region.

Lebanon is facing a dual humanitarian crisis as the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday warned of imminent disease outbreaks compounded by overcrowding in shelters and hospital closures due to ongoing conflict.

With Israel commencing ground operations in the southwest, the year-long conflict with Hezbollah has intensified, claiming over 1,000 lives in the last fortnight and prompting widespread displacement. WHO Deputy Incident Manager for Lebanon, Ian Clarke, highlighted the increased risk of diseases like acute watery diarrhea and hepatitis A due to these dire conditions.

Additionally, Matthew Hollingworth of the World Food Programme cautioned that Lebanon's capacity to sustain its food supply is critically endangered, as large swathes of farmland have either been burned or abandoned, leaving harvests incomplete and produce rotting.

(With inputs from agencies.)