|
Middle East crisis: Nearly impossible mission for volunteers |
|
Monday, 07 August 2006 |
The United Nations and aid agencies estimate that around 867,000 people have been affected by the hostilities that erupted on 12 July 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah. They include 710,000 (one-fifth of the Lebanese population) who have been uprooted from their homes. Of these, 210,000 have fled to other countries.
Volunteers helping the victims of the conflict are finding it extremely difficult to reach affected villages and towns due to Israels indiscriminate bombing. According to volunteers, the Israeli army has been shelling their routes, hitting civilians, humanitarian aid workers and volunteers.
Such life-threatening situations can easily dampen spirits and discourage anyone. But volunteers on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border are committed – to the extent of endangering their lives – in providing emergency relief and evacuation support to the displaced and injured. The World Volunteer Web is documenting – through pictures and stories – the invaluable humanitarian assistance provided by these courageous volunteers, most of them local people - and in some cases refugees and victims themselves. |
