Fighting in Iraq Continues to Uproot People, Agency Reports
The ongoing conflict in Iraq between the coalition forces and insurgents continues to force people to abandon their homes and seek security elsewhere
The ongoing conflict in Iraq between the coalition forces and insurgents continues to force people to abandon their homes and seek security elsewhere, according to a global alliance of churches and related agencies.
Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, which recently released a report regarding the current situation in Iraq, said that thousands of people had been displaced by the recent conflict in Fallujah. Many of those who fled before the recent fight for the control of the town fled to Baghdad. The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), a local member of the global alliance, identified at least 1,000 families as needing assistance—many of them living in camps for the internally displaced on the outskirts of the capital, or in public buildings. Assistance includes blankets, bedding, towels, cleaning and hygiene items, as well as drinking water.
"We have [also] started the supplementary feeding to some hospitals and social centers," said Nuhad Tomeh, the interim director of MECC's Iraq Relief and Rehabilitation program. "At the same time we have had a call from the director of the Fallujah Hospital to provide any kind of medicine."
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Tomeh added that people have not only been displaced within Iraq. "The continuous fighting, along with the security situation, [have led] to movement and displacements of many [to] neighboring countries."
Although MECC is not in a position to help the refugees, ACT reports that the council is working with local churches and congregations in Syria and Jordan to assist those in need. "With the cold winter and the holiday season, these people are our concern," said Tomeh, adding, "our reading is that it will be a few months before these people can go back or find another place to resettle".
He also raised the issue of security, particularly in relation to the churches. "The churches all over Iraq are very much concerned about the recent developments since August," the director said, referring to the recent spate of attacks on churches and monasteries.
In spite of setbacks, in spite of the insecurity, in spite of problems that at times may seem insurmountable, Tomeh said, "we are resuming our activities. We hope and pray that we will be able to go on with the help and protection of God and your prayers and support".
