The situation in Lebanon changes on an hourly basis. Accordingly, our humanitarian response has to be modified to meet the new challenges. Wajih Bizri, South Africa's Honorary Consul General to Lebanon, has just informed us that medical teams should be placed on hold, as several highly qualified Lebanese specialists and general doctors have made themselves available from throughout the country to serve the civilian population. Teams have been organized to cater for the needs of the more than 500,000 internally displaced refugees.

Unfortunately because of the total destruction of roads and the continuous bombing by Israel of anything that moves, no teams are able to reach the seriously injured and wounded civilians. Only one or two Red Cross ambulances are managing to bring some patients through. There is no movement of any other teams or vehicles.

There is, however, a desperate demand for medical supplies to cater for the needs of the internally displaced populations and those that are "recovered" from the South. Food, baby food, mattresses, linen, blankets, cooking and eating utensils, water purification tablets, sanitary pads, and disposable diapers are the additional basic requirements requested. Gift of the Givers has virtually all the medical and above supplies ready for delivery.

At a meeting yesterday with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad, the Department of Foreign Affairs fully pledged its support for the South African humanitarian mission. Foreign Affairs personnel were tasked by Pahad to engage all relevant parties to ensure that clearances, visas, total cooperation, and necessary support are obtained to ensure the speedy, effective delivery of the emergency supplies. Pahad agreed in principle to cover the cost of the cargo plane and to send representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs on the mission. Full support has been afforded to us by our Ambassador in Syria and the Honorary Consul General in Lebanon. Foreign Affairs are in negotiations with the Syrians and Lebanese governments to secure all permissions and guarantees to permit departure of the relief team, media, and supplies by the weekend.

The Lebanese Christian Association, the Lebanese People's Association of South Africa, the South African Council of Churches, the Rhema Church, and the ANC Commission for Religious Affairs fully endorse and support the Gift of the Givers South African humanitarian mission.

For more information about Gift of the Givers, visit their website at www.giftofthegivers.org.