Thousands displaced by Libya violence

Around 10,000 Libyans have been displaced by the ongoing violence in the city of Benghazi, the International Red Cross and Libyan Red Crescent said on Friday. “Deep concern” was expressed about the fate of civilians, with many families among the victims.

In a media statement, the humanitarian organisations said that even the healthcare system in the city’s main hospitals has been affected by the fighting. Health workers are unable to report for work and there is an acute shortage of medical supplies.

“The fighting has reached residential areas and movement inside the city is very difficult,” said the Secretary General of the Libyan Red Crescent, Omar Ja’oudah. “There are also shortages of cash and basic foodstuff.” His organisation is working with the IRC to help needy families.

The Director of the Red Cross Mission in Libya has to run its operation from neighbouring Tunisia. Antoine Grand called for an end to all fighting in order to facilitate the work of medical teams on the ground. Despite the “difficult circumstances,” he said that his staff would continue to offer aid.