Geneva, March 11 (QNA) - The United Nations announced it will launch an urgent three-month humanitarian appeal later this week to increase humanitarian aid in Lebanon as needs escalate due to the repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher warned that Lebanon is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis as violence escalates across the region.

He noted that more than 570 people have been killed and over 1,400 injured in Lebanon since early March, while more than 750,000 have been displaced, many taking refuge in overcrowded collective shelters.

He explained that this emergency appeal will complement ongoing programs under this year's Lebanon Humanitarian Response Plan, adding that an additional $15 million will be allocated from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to expand life-saving assistance.

He added that schools in Lebanon are closing to house displaced families, health facilities are shutting down, and humanitarian needs are increasing sharply, warning that women and children in overcrowded shelters face increased risks of disease, exploitation, and violence. (QNA)