Lebanon Aid Appeals: Where You Can Donate

A fragile truce is holding in southern Lebanon after a month of conflict between Israel and Hizbullah fighters.

Aid agencies have been using the ceasefire to intensify their operations to help civilians, and the first steps are being taken in a reconstruction effort that will cost billions.

The Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, which particularly affected the south of the country, killed hundreds of people and destroyed homes, factories and farms.

Up to one million people are thought to have been displaced by the bombing, with many beginning to return to war-ravaged towns and villages.

Oxfam say one priority has been getting water and sanitation equipment to people and restoring services such as electricity.

The Israeli bombing destroyed many bridges, and another priority is to create temporary crosses and help the movement of aid trucks.

Oxfam yesterday launched an appeal to raise £1m to help fund its work in the Middle East.

Workers in the charity's team, based in Beirut, have been giving out food and sanitation equipment. They have been moving further south in recent days.

Israel is also facing reconstruction costs after around 4,000 Hizbullah rockets hit northern areas.

Aid agencies say there is a desperate need for donations. The UN has launched an emergency appeal for $150m (£81m) to help people in the region.

Around $24m of the UN target is sought on behalf of Unicef to help displaced children.

The following major agencies have launched appeals to help those affected by the fighting:

Unicef Donations can also be made by calling 08457 312312.

UN World Food Programme Ways to donate.

British Red Cross Middle East crisis appeal.

Oxfam Middle East crisis appeal.

Save the Children Middle East appeal.

Christian Aid Middle East crisis appeal.

Care International Crisis appeal.

CAFOD Middle East emergency appeal.

World Vision Middle East appeal.

Islamic Relief Emergency appeal.