TEAR Fund Press Release

For Immediate Release: 27/07/06

TEAR Fund Concerned Lebanese Refugee Crisis Could Become Humanitarian Catastrophe

TEAR Fund is again expressing concern for the welfare of Lebanese refugees, with no end to the fighting in sight after U.S., European and Arab diplomats failed to agree on a cease-fire at a conference in Rome.

The clash between Israel and Hezbollah continues to wreak havoc as civilians on both sides of the conflict suffer.

Israeli air-strikes have uprooted more than 700,000 Lebanese, while Israeli bombing of Lebanon's infrastructure has cut off access to food and medical supplies.

Working through Lebanese partners, TEAR Fund is providing refugees in and around Beirut with emergency shelter and essential support, including food, hygiene-kits and medical care.

“Our relief effort is providing desperately needed assistance to internally displaced Lebanese. Refugees remain at the mercy of air-strikes, and without essential supplies we are concerned this refugee crisis will turn into a major humanitarian disaster,” says TEAR Fund Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup.

“TEAR Fund is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities on both sides. The only ‘proportionate response’ in this conflict can be zero for zero causalities.”

You can give to TEAR Fund’s emergency appeal by calling 0800 800 777 or to make an instant $20 donation call 0900 90 777 or visit their website www.tearfund.org.nz

ENDS

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