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Middle East crisis 2006

Destroyed building in Beirut. Photo: Jane Beesley

Destruction in Lebanon

During the month-long conflict, between Israel and Lebanon around a million Lebanese people fled their homes.

Bombs destroyed apartment blocks and buildings in much of southern Beirut (pictured). People in southern Lebanon also suffered.

Roads, schools and water supply systems were badly damaged. Around one thousand people were killed and four thousand people injured.

Photo: Jane Beesley

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Middle East Crisis 2006

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Providing clean water

George Farhat (pictured), an Oxfam staff member in Beirut, loads a truck with water and sanitation equipment.

During the conflict our priority was to deliver clean water to those sheltering in schools and other public buildings.

A total of 1.5 million litres of water a day was delivered to people across Lebanon. We also rebuilt damaged water systems.

Photo: Harriet Binet

Mayor of Shamma, Lebanon. Photo: Jane Beesley

Preventing the spread of disease

“Oxfam gave us 100 per cent of what we asked for,” says the Mayor of Shamma, Lebanon.

Build up of household waste posed a serious health risk. Washing areas and toilet facilities were totally overstretched.

We provided rubbish bins and distributed hygiene kits. We trained local volunteers to raise awareness of health issues.

Photo: Jane Beesley

Meeting people’s needs

Hikmat Abedullah, pictured, found her house in Beirut totally destroyed. “When I saw what had happened here I cried.”

We supplied food and clothes parcels. Since the ceasefire, we have been working to repair partially-damaged houses.

The fighting and bombing also devastated fields and plantations, with farmers losing livestock and produce. We wanted to ensure that people had shelter, and enough food to keep healthy.

Photo: Jane Beesley

Supporting livelihoods

Oxfam is now working in Lebanon to help the most vulnerable people recover ways of making a living.

The 2006 olive harvest (pictured) was severely affected by the conflict. Hikmat Abd Nabi Khalil from South Lebanon makes his living growing olives.

He says, “It’s not just the olive harvest this year, but next year and for years to come, because the trees themselves are damaged” Oct 06

Photo: Jane Beesley

Part of an advert Labourer's Voice placed in Arabic media advertising their services. Photo: Labourer's Voice

Our work in Israel

In northern Israel, rocket attacks killed more than 40 people, and wrought havoc on the local economy.

The Israeli government offered compensation for people’s losses but guidelines and application forms were in Hebrew.

Oxfam partner, Laborer's Voice, operated a telephone helpline in Arabic to support the Arab-Israeli community. They also placed adverts (pictured) in the Arabic media to raise awareness of how to claim compensation.

Photo: Labourer's Voice

Providing school uniforms

Trees Kosterman (pictured) works for Oxfam partner Al Zahraa, helping poor Arab-Israeli families affected by the conflict.

Oxfam supported Al Zahraa to provide school uniforms and equipment to school children in Sahknin.

She says, “Many women pick fruit close to the Lebanese border. They need the money they earn to buy school uniforms and schoolbooks. But this year, it has been too dangerous to work there.”

Photo: Al Zahraa

Our response in Gaza

Oxfam partners continued, as far as possible, to provide water and sanitation facilities to communities; part of our ongoing work.

Heavy shelling in Gaza in July 06 destroyed electrical supplies, bridges and water networks. Here new pipes are being laid to bring clean water to Mawasi, Gaza

Oxfam is seeking a just and peaceful solution to the continuing conflict in the Palestinian Territories and Israel.

Photo: Elena Qleibo