Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have exchanged fire across the Lebanese border since war broke out between Israel and Hamas on 7 October.

Thousands of Lebanese have fled the border areas to seek refuge elsewhere in Lebanon, according to Caritas Lebanon.

Fr. Michel Abboud, the president of the local Church’s humanitarian outfit, spoke to Vatican News about the situation and what his organization is doing to meet the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

"There are already many of them, and they need everything,” he told Federico Piana. “We ask the international community and people of goodwill to support our efforts."

Fr. Abboud expressed his concerns that the war in the Holy Land “could set the entire Middle East region on fire and involve Lebanon."

He estimates that there are more than 20,000 displaced Lebanese, many of whom have fled to the capital, Beirut, or to areas near Mount Lebanon.

Caritas Lebanon has set up centres to receive them, as well as turning schools into places where people can stay temporarily.

Preparing for the worst

Israel and Hezbollah fought a war in 2006, and Fr. Abboud said people fear another crisis that could be even worse.

“Compared to the past, our nation is experiencing a terrible economic crisis worsened by the management of Syrian refugees,” he said. “We couldn't withstand the backlash of a new war.”

A massive influx of internal refugees would weight heavily on an already stretched social system, said Fr. Abboud.

However, Caritas Lebanon is putting in place preparations for just such an occurrence.

“We have asked bishops and superiors general of congregations and religious orders to open their convents,” he said. “As for Caritas, I am trying to convince donors to provide more funds.”

International assistance

Fr. Abboud pointed out that IPDs already hosted in the initial reception centers require everything.

“Imagine being with your family in a place different from your home where you have nothing left, not even a bed to sleep in,” he said. “Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, you are stuck in this center waiting for nothing: it is terrible.”

But the Lebanese Church seeks to support them in all of their needs, he added.

In a final appeal, the President of Caritas Lebanon invited people around the globe to help his organization.

“We ask the entire international community to help Caritas Lebanon. Now more than ever, we need the assistance of people of goodwill.”