As Israel escalates its attacks on Lebanon, concerns are growing over Lebanon’s ability to maintain food security for its citizens.
Although Beirut’s airport and harbor remain operational, many are concerned that Lebanon’s government is bracing for further instability.
Minister of Public Works and Transportation Ali Hamieh held an expanded meeting on Monday to discuss food security and cargo clearance.
“The goal is to accelerate the flow of goods from sea ports and airports, especially those that affect people’s daily lives. On behalf of all sectors of the government, all our efforts are centered on joint work between the government and the private sector to achieve that goal, which is to accelerate release of goods from sea ports and airports,” Hamieh said at a press conference.
Beirut’s airport and port are still operating, but the Lebanese government says it is trying to prepare for the worst.
“There are two parts to the necessity of this issue, food security and the security of the goods in the port of Beirut. About food security, there’s no need to repeat what we said before, till now we have no problems as long as the port and the airport are working, and the administrations as well, so we won’t discuss it again. In terms of customs clearance of the goods, actually there is a big challenge. Given the extraordinary circumstances we’re dealing with, we must implement equally extraordinary measures,” said Hani Bahsali, president of Syndicate of Food Importers in Lebanon.
Lebanese Economy Minister Amin Salam revealed during an interview last week, that after the start of the current war on Lebanon, Lebanon’s economic situation is “very difficult and delicate.”
Salam said there was enough food in Lebanon to meet the country’s needs for at least four months. He added that Lebanon had received assurances from international donors, led by Arab countries, the European Union, and the United Nations, that they will continue to provide supplies and financial aid while trying to achieve a quick solution to the escalating tensions in Lebanon.
There has been an escalation of confrontations in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by an Israeli airstrike on September 29 and the current Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon.
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