UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah continue to affect civilians and disrupt daily life in southern Lebanon, UN humanitarians said Thursday.
Several airstrikes were reported by local authorities across Lebanon's Nabatieh governorate on Thursday, while daily strikes and demolition operations continue to damage homes and infrastructure, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The insecurity also poses risks to those responding to people's needs. On Wednesday in the Deir Mimas municipality in Nabatieh governorate, Lebanese civil defense personnel were reportedly forced to withdraw while responding to a fire after coming under attack.
"Despite the challenges, humanitarian partners continue to provide critical support to communities in need," OCHA said. "Since 2 March, more than 900,000 people have received at least one round of emergency cash assistance."
The office said that humanitarian needs remain immense, while available funding remains insufficient. A six-month flash appeal, which requires nearly 640 million U.S. dollars to support people affected by the escalation, is due to end in just four days and is only slightly more than half funded.
OCHA called for full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, adding that sustained humanitarian support is essential to meet the needs of communities affected by the ongoing hostilities.
