Since the onset of Israeli military aggression against the people Lebanon, the following dramatic facts have been noted:

• More than 250 women, men and children (overwhelmingly civilians) have lost their lives. A number of casualties have also been reported amongst the Lebanese army who, for the record, has not aggressed Israel. Ironically, the Lebanese army is being pressured to take over the control of the Southern border!
• There are so far more than 60,000 internally displaced families from South Lebanon and the Southern suburbs of Beirut.
• Hundred of thousands remain under forced siege in South Lebanon and some in the Southern suburbs of Beirut.
• Tens of thousands have left the country and many are still fleeing.
• The preliminary estimated figure for economic losses in less than a week exceeds 3 billion US dollars.
• There is a significant and widespread destruction of public and economic including airports and seaports, bridges, roads, electrical powerhouses, factories and other.

Meanwhile, most Arab governments have remained silent vis-à-vis these tragic events.

Political initiatives to put an end to the present situation remain shy and largely inappropriate.

In the eyes of many in Lebanon and the Arab world, the collective punishment to which the people of Lebanon are subjected to aims at breaking the steadfastness and resistance of people in Lebanon and the region against endemic injustice and occupation.

As such, CRTD.A continues to call on women and men all over the world for:

1. An act of solidarity and a collective action for putting an end to the current carnage and destruction and for an immediate ceasefire.
2. Ending the collective punishment targeting the civilian population
3. Provide immediate relief assistance to the population under siege and the internally displaced
4. Contribute to the reconstruction of a destroyed country and shattered economy
5. Seek just, fair and durable solutions to the conflict in the region.

CRTD.A is aiming to provide immediate relief assistance to 1000 households located in the IDP centres in Beirut. The assistance will be handled by women and directed at women headed households.

Your donation of $62.50 will provide one woman-headed household with basic necessities-- such as drinking water, diapers, soap and sanitary pads- which are not included in relief kits and assistance being provided by the Lebanese High Commission for Relief, Ministry of Social Affairs, and Ministry of Public Health. CRTD-A needs $62,500 to help 1,000 female-headed households.

Bank Information

Organization: Centre for Research and Training on Development-Action

Account Number: 230199 044 02

Bank: Audi Bank

Bank Address: Sodeco Branch, Sodeco, Beirut, Lebanon

Bank's SWIFT Code: AUDBLBBX

For further inquiries or to send messages of support please contact:
Lina Abou-Habib, Director
CRTD.A
POB 165302
Achrafieh 1100 2030
Beirut - Lebanon
fax + 961-1-611079 or 612924
labouhabib@crtd.org
www.crtd.org