As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Christian charity Youth for Christ Lebanon (YFCL) has been providing practical support to Muslim communities affected by the ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

Israel's ground offensive in Lebanon intensified on Wednesday 2nd October, after Iran fired more than 200 ballistic missiles on Tuesday night.

In response, 24 villages in southern Lebanon were ordered to evacuate.

The recent airstrikes have displaced over a million people—about a fifth of Lebanon's population—claiming hundreds of lives and devastating critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. Many of those fleeing from the southern regions are now taking refuge in Beirut, where resources are stretched thin.

Amid the chaos, YFCL has been providing practical aid to displaced families, showing them the love of Jesus through action.

“People are terrified,” YFCL’s National Director Maher El Hajj told Premier Christian News.

“People are not able to sleep at night, high anxiety, depression. The bombing is not ceasing, when will this end?” he added.

El Hajj explained how the charity is reaching out to the Muslim areas of the city, which have experienced “heavy bombing.”

“They need all the help they can get, from trauma intervention to basic necessities like food, water and medicine.”

El Hajj emphasised the mission behind their work: “We want to show the love of Christ in a very practical way to the Muslim community, so they can experience the unconditional love of Jesus.”

The charity has called on the Christian community pray for funding, strength and perseverance for local churches and to be a beacon of hope amidst the devastation.

“We pray people would see Christ through us and would be open to the Gospel message.”