Lebanon: The Middle East Council of Churches reactivates its emergency relief committee
Facing the horrifying events in Lebanon,
leading to loss of life and destruction of infrastructure, in addition
to recurrent threats of an Israeli invasion, the Middle East Council of
Churches reiterates its call upon the international community, especially
the Security Council for an active and speedy interference for a cease-fire,
and urges all parties concerned to resort to political negotiations. The
Council also urges all regional powers to exercise pressure on all parties
to stop escalation and return to dialogue.
In response to the distress call by
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Sanyoura who declared Lebanon a "disaster
country", the Council announces the establishment of a central emergency
relief committee to work in collaboration with the Lebanese High Relief
Committee and with the various Churches and civil society and private voluntary
organizations, as well as with the different ministries and municipalities.
An initial sum of US$60,000 has been allocated, to be distributed in kind
to displaced people all over the Lebanese territory. The Council has also
issued a call for immediate aid through Action by Churches Together (ACT)
and received from its office in occupied Jerusalem, a symbolic donation
of US$2,500, in solidarity and support from Palestinians to their Lebanese
brothers, victims of this barbaric aggression.
The Middle East Council of Churches asks mercy for the souls of martyrs and wishes the injured health, as it calls upon the Churches worldwide to intervene firmly with their governments, urging them to exercise pressure for an immediate cease-fire in order to end this dangerous escalation of violence which threatens the whole region. It also calls on all to assist relief efforts by sending the necessary aid to the displaced families.
Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh
General Secretary
The Middle East Council of Churches
For information and contact: Middle East Council of Churches, Tel: 01- 742088 and 03-903523