Lebanon Moves to Stabilise Food Supplies and Relief Efforts as War Pressures Mount
Lebanon’s government has moved to coordinate relief operations and stabilise essential supplies as the regional conflict continues to place pressure on the country’s economy and humanitarian infrastructure.
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In one meeting, Salam met Hashem Haidar, head of Lebanon’s South Council, and the chief of the country’s Disaster Management Unit at the Saraya Zahi Shaheen, alongside Finance Minister Yassin Jaber and Social Affairs Minister Hanin Al-Sayed, to coordinate relief and emergency response efforts.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between government agencies responsible for disaster response and humanitarian assistance as the security situation along Lebanon’s southern front remains volatile.
Separately, the prime minister also received a delegation from the Association of Food Importers, including Hani Bahsali, Mazen Sanu, Jawad Abdullah, Anwar Younes and Anthony Massoud, in the presence of the finance minister and Economy and Trade Minister Amir Al-Bassat.
During the meeting, the delegation assured the government that food supplies remain available in markets at normal levels and that import operations are continuing without major disruptions despite regional tensions.
Salam said the government would instruct relevant authorities to expedite the entry of goods through ports and other facilities and facilitate procedures to ensure the uninterrupted flow of commodities into the Lebanese market.
The consultations come as Lebanon attempts to manage both the economic risks and humanitarian pressures created by the intensifying confrontation between Israel, Hezbollah and their regional allies.
Earlier this week, the Lebanese government had already begun preparing emergency shelter infrastructure across the country as displacement pressures emerged in areas affected by the fighting, with schools, public facilities and transport networks placed on standby to accommodate civilians if the conflict escalates further.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam earlier convened an emergency meeting at the Grand Serail in Beirut with Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hijjar, several cabinet members and regional governors to coordinate the national response to the growing displacement crisis.
Officials said the government was mobilising schools, sports facilities and other public infrastructure to house families fleeing areas affected by the fighting.
Authorities stressed that no displaced individual or family would be left without shelter, with schools being placed at the disposal of local authorities to serve as temporary accommodation centres if needed.
In Beirut, the Sports City complex has been prepared to receive displaced residents beginning later in the day.
Lebanese officials also said shelter centres in the northern regions are fully prepared to receive additional arrivals, with the Ministry of Public Works arranging transportation from Beirut to northern governorates where more space is available.
The government said medical treatment for displaced civilians will be provided at the expense of the Ministry of Public Health, while authorities are also securing fuel supplies and basic necessities for shelters.
Security forces have been tasked with guiding displaced civilians, protecting shelter facilities and preventing tensions between host communities and newly arrived families.
Lebanese officials also urged the public to avoid spreading rumours that could incite fear or hostility during the crisis.
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