The people of El Meri, a small village near the Blue Line in south Lebanon, recently received much-needed medical support from UNIFIL’s Indian peacekeepers. In response to a request from the village mayor, Youssef Fayyad, the peacekeepers donated essential medicines to address the community’s urgent healthcare needs.

The violence that began in October 2023 and intensified in September forced hundreds of thousands to flee to safety - over 500,000 in south Lebanon alone. After the cessation of hostilities agreement in late November, many returned home. However, some residents of El Meri never left, facing day-to-day challenges such as a lack of essentials, including limited access to nearby hospitals due to the security situation.

The donated supplies included painkillers, antibiotics, allergy treatments, eye drops, and more. These will be distributed by the municipality and are expected to benefit approximately 50 patients. Colonel Ajit Singh Negi, the contingent commander, highlighted the need to show support to the people, saying, “We know how difficult it’s been for the people of El Meri. This donation is just one way we’re working to ease their hardships.”

Mayor Fayyad expressed gratitude to UNIFIL, saying, “Peacekeepers have been checking on us regularly during these tough months.” He then emphasized the importance of this donation and how it has helped those in the village who cannot access medical care.

UNIFIL, with its more than 10,000 peacekeepers across south Lebanon, continues its work under Resolution 1701, assisting Lebanon and supporting local communities.