A Statement from MAG Chief Executive, Darren Cormack, on the conflict in the Middle East:
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is bringing devastating consequences for millions of people. This is a region that MAG has worked in for decades and right now, we are seeing communities torn apart and families displaced, including many of our own colleagues in Lebanon, who have been forced to flee their homes once again. Protection of all civilians is a humanitarian imperative across the region, including in countries who have not previously experienced the shock of conflict on this scale.
We are gravely concerned about the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas, such as artillery shells, aerial bombs and rockets. We know that ultimately, civilians are paying the highest price: when explosive weapons are used in such areas, 90% of the casualties are civilians, resulting in lasting trauma endured by millions of girls, boys, women and men. Beyond immediate causalities, these weapons strike indiscriminately, disrupting vital services, destroying critical infrastructure, and damaging livelihoods.
We are seeing all of this unfold now with many hundreds tragically killed or injured.
No community should have to live under the constant threat of bombs and rockets. Even after the fighting stops, unexploded ordnance left hidden beneath the rubble can continue to threaten lives and slow recovery for years to come. As an organisation, our purpose is to help these communities stay as safe as possible – by removing the lethal threat posed by unexploded ordnance, and by providing life-saving risk education. We remain ready to deploy our emergency response as soon as the conditions allow.
Recovery efforts will require significant support from the international community. Amidst a backdrop of extensive aid budget cuts, it will be crucial that those in a position to do so scale up their assistance to help communities rebuild their lives.
MAG urgently calls for all parties to de-escalate immediately, uphold international humanitarian law, and stop the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
