Good evening,
I would like to extend my Eid al-Fitr greetings to the Lebanese people, hoping that the coming days bring greater reassurance to Lebanon and its citizens. I also want to express my condolences to all those who have lost loved ones since the beginning of this war and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
After 24 days since the escalation began, I want to take this opportunity to highlight the results of our response since the beginning of the month:
1. Continuous Response:
The response has been ongoing around the clock, with centralized monitoring at the Grand Serail, field operations across the governorates, coordination with ministries, municipalities, security agencies, and partners. A daily ministerial meeting takes place at 10 a.m. with the Prime Minister.
2. Rapid and Organized Opening of Shelters:
On March 2, 171 shelters were opened within hours, accommodating 30,000 displaced persons, and their details were immediately shared through official channels.
On March 3, with a large increase in displacement (numbers nearly doubled), the number of shelters increased to 321, hosting 60,000 people.
Between March 3 and 12, the highest period of shelter openings occurred, bringing the total to 600 shelters accommodating 128,000 displaced persons.
Today, 645 shelters are open across Lebanon, hosting 133,000 people.
Additionally, a self-registration platform was launched on the second day to track the total number of displaced persons, with 1,162,237 registered to date.
Shelters are opened based on need, ensuring efficient use of resources. Currently, 23 shelters have available capacity, with potential to open over 1,000 more.
All official shelters are under the authority of the state, managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education in cooperation with partners, and are not under any political party or other entity.
President Salameh emphasized the need to intensify security measures nationwide, especially in Beirut, to protect citizens and their property.
Every displaced Lebanese currently on the streets has a place in shelters, with daily outreach and transportation provided.
3. Food and Meal Distribution:
A "National Committee for Food Safety during the Displacement Crisis" was established, chaired by the Ministers of Health and Social Affairs, including representatives from the National Food Safety Authority, the Disaster Management Unit, the Food Sector, WFP, and the Ministries of Education, Agriculture, and Social Affairs. The committee conducts unannounced visits to assess kitchens and ensure food safety.
Currently, 80 food partners are distributing 130,000 hot meals daily in the shelters.
4. Health:
The Ministry of Health has activated its emergency plan. Primary care services are provided as needed, including hospitalization for displaced persons at the Ministry’s expense.
Over 1.1 million medicine packs for chronic and acute illnesses have been distributed through 192 primary care centers and 161 mobile clinics, free of charge.
Final Note:
Any rumors, misinformation campaigns, or false statements do not serve the interest of Lebanon and its citizens, particularly the displaced. National responsibility and restraint are crucial to overcoming this stage.
May God protect Lebanon and its people.
