Lebanon: EU Commission regrets worsening access for humanitarian relief

Following the targeting of transportation routes north of Beirut by the Israeli defence forces, the provision of humanitarian aid by land to the Lebanese population in need has become increasingly difficult. Access both to and from Lebanon as well as movement within Lebanon has been seriously affected by the recent attacks.

European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said: "The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating and now more than ever it is essential that we continue to have access to the people that urgently need our help, in particular those displaced or stranded in the South. Harming those who have done no harm does not help anybody. Both parties have a responsibility to ensure that corridors for the safe provision of aid to the needed Lebanese are open and respected."

European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, added: "The bombing of roads that have been previously cleared as safe for evacuation and humanitarian aid could have a major impact on the delivery or our aid. We will need guarantees for the safety of our people on the ground if we are to successfully continue the provision of aid. Louis Michel calls once more for the respect of the international humanitarian laws."

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