Iraq prepares to assist displaced Lebanese families as conflict escalates

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displacement has announced its readiness to accommodate Lebanese families seeking refuge due to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, following continuous Israeli airstrikes.

In a statement, the ministry emphasized its commitment to providing relief to Lebanese families, in line with the Iraqi government’s stance and support from religious leaders. Minister Evan Faeq Jabro, after meeting with senior ministry officials, outlined plans for the reception and care of potential arrivals.

“We are prepared to provide all necessary humanitarian and relief assistance, ensuring displaced Lebanese families receive the care and shelter they need,” Jabro stated. The minister also noted that the ministry is working closely with Karbala Governor Nussaif Jassem Al-Khattabi to secure proper accommodations.

While expressing solidarity with Lebanon, Minister Jabro highlighted the importance of maintaining preparedness without escalating regional tensions.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, alongside Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, has voiced strong support for Lebanon. They have both called for efforts to halt the violence, with Al-Sudani urging international efforts to “stop the aggression” and aid Lebanon’s “brave resistance” against Israeli attacks. The Iraqi government condemned the ongoing violence, which it said has resulted in “hundreds of martyrs” and “thousands of injured civilians,” calling for an immediate cessation of the assaults.

The Iraqi Red Crescent Society also announced it has prepared mobile hospitals, medical clinics, and rest stations at border crossings to assist Lebanese families displaced by the conflict. In a statement, the society said, “We have equipped our mobile hospitals and medical clinics with essential medicines and first-aid supplies, and ambulances will be stationed at border entry points to aid those fleeing the Israeli attacks.”

The United Nations reported on Wednesday that approximately 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon this week as Israel continues its airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, while Hezbollah retaliates with attacks on Israel. The UN’s International Organization for Migration noted that “90,530 newly displaced persons” have been recorded since Monday.

According to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, many of these individuals were already displaced, bringing the total number of displaced persons since the start of the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in early October to over 111,000.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib warned that the number of displaced people in the country is “likely approaching half a million,” as Israeli air raids earlier this week marked the deadliest day of violence since Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war. Monday’s raids alone claimed the lives of at least 558 people and triggered widespread evacuations.