Israeli attacks hinder return to normalcy: MSF director in Lebanon

GENEVA / ISTANBUL

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Lebanon said access to healthcare and a return to normalcy in the country continue to be hindered amid the ongoing Israeli attacks.

Speaking to Anadolu, Camila Finat, the director of Humanitarian Affairs of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Lebanon, addressed the Nov. 27, 2024 ceasefire, Israel's violations, and the ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Stressing that the ceasefire began at the end of November and allowed displaced populations to return, Finat said: "Due to the widespread levels of destruction and damages, it is quite complicated for the population to be able to resettle. Many of them lost their employment or their livelihood, their houses and loved ones, so they do have to restart their life from scratch."

"This applies also to the healthcare system that has been heavily affected by both the war, and the consequences, of course, of the economic crisis that is ongoing since 2019," she added.

Finat said that some displaced Lebanese are still living in collective shelters, or with their families or friends.

'There are daily reported violations'

"In general, the level of destruction is massive, and it complicates the return to a normal life. It will take a lot of time," said Finat, and added that MSF has been working hard to provide medical care to those affected by the attacks.

"There are daily reported violations. The Ministry of Health has the total numbers. As MSF, we mainly focus on providing medical care and expressing what we see. What we see, of course, is the medical needs remain massive throughout the country, but mainly in very affected areas such as the South. It further complicated the provision of medical care," said Finat.

Finat stressed that emergency aid depends on security, with staff safety prioritized in high-impact areas.

'Ceasefire is fragile until now'

"The ceasefire is fragile until now, and I think everyone hopes it will remain intact. Because the population is willing and deserves to go back to their normal life and daily routine and to be able to start reconstructing the country," Finat stated.

She stressed the need for a continued ceasefire to secure essential supplies and noted that at least 10 hospitals, mainly in southern Lebanon, were either closed or reduced their services due to last year's attacks.

"Lebanon has a fair number of hospitals, so they managed somehow to continue healthcare services. But of course, they need support," Finat added.