The caretaker Minister of Environment and President of the National Emergency Commission, Nasser Yassin, stated that the food and medicine stocks are sufficient for four months, noting that “as long as supply lines are not affected, things will proceed normally.”
In an interview with the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed website, Yassin mentioned that there is enough fuel for four weeks. He also revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Energy and fuel importers to prioritize supplying four essential sectors: bakeries, hospitals, water pumping stations and telephone exchanges.
Regarding food prices, he explained that the Ministry of Economy is closely monitoring the situation, and no unreasonable price hikes have been recorded, unlike the significant increase in rent prices.
When asked about the Lebanese state’s ability to compensate those affected by the war and to rebuild, the minister said, “The state does not have the capacity to rebuild thousands of homes, but compensation for the families of the dead and assistance for the injured are planned, and an in-depth study is underway to shelter the displaced. However, if the attacks continue, it will obviously be impossible to rebuild thousands of homes.”
Yassin confirmed that the number of displaced people has exceeded 102,523, while the death toll has exceeded 500, adding that approximately 3,000 buildings have been destroyed, according to figures from the Council for the South. As for agricultural land, 1,700 hectares have been burned, with 40,000 olive trees and 340,000 animals, such as birds, poultry and livestock damaged, along with 72 educational institutions and six health facilities.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 72% of farmers have lost their source of income, not to mention the damage to agricultural crops, particularly tobacco and olives, which the residents of border villages depend on.
Yassin reminded that aid is being distributed in cooperation with international organizations and according to current regulations. As of the end of July, 55,500 food rations have been allocated to displaced persons, 588,000 meals have been provided to refugee centers in the South, and 83,000 people have received health services or aid. Therefore, there is a minimum level of assurance for about 18,000 families.
