The Swiss Philanthropy Foundation has launched an emergency rapid response fund for Lebanon amidst an escalation in violence since Israel’s military strikes on the capital Beirut and in southern Lebanon.  

The fund aims to collect donations with a minimum individual contribution being CHF 10,000 (or $11,600 US dollars). Swiss Philanthropy Foundation has provided an initial donation of CHF 20,000. 

Funds will go towards emergency humanitarian relief and support for children as they experience trauma in conflict. An estimated 1 million people, equivalent to a fifth of the country, have been internally displaced in Lebanon. 

The foundation says it will work with local NGOs to meet increasing demand for housing and shelter in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, where people are receiving little to no assistance from state authorities.  

The rapid response fund will support around 1,500 people with emergency food and other relief items. 

Meanwhile the Arab Foundations Forum has launched its appeal. It lists reputable NGOs and smaller, local led groups who require funding. 

‘Just as we mobilized our efforts and funds for Palestine, we are doing the same for our friends, families, and colleagues in Lebanon,’ said the Forum.  

Lebanese civilians are reported to have crossed by foot into Syria. The Lebanese Red Cross says 18 people have been killed in an Israeli strike in Aitou in northern Lebanon on Monday.

Shafi Musaddique is the news editor at Alliance Magazine