The Emergency and Ambulance Service in Libya has urgently called on all warring factions to declare an immediate ceasefire and open safe humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians trapped in areas of intense fighting in the capital’s Abu Salim district and surrounding neighborhoods.
In an official appeal, the service emphasised the repeated pleas from residents for evacuation, warning that escalating clashes are preventing emergency teams from reaching those in need. “We urgently request all parties to announce an immediate ceasefire and open safe passages to evacuate civilians from the conflict zones,” the statement said.
Al-Jalaa Children’s Hospital has reported critical difficulties in maintaining its operations under the current conditions. The hospital requires a secure corridor to allow patients who wish to leave to do so safely, and to enable the replacement of exhausted medical staff.
Additionally, the Emergency Service revealed it had received numerous distress calls from citizens in need of urgent kidney dialysis. However, the intensity of the clashes has made it impossible to respond effectively.
Despite these challenges, the health teams, under the direct supervision of Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghouj, Acting Minister of Health, have succeeded in responding to all emergency cases. Patients requiring dialysis have been successfully transferred to operational kidney centers, which remain open 24/7 and are fully equipped with necessary supplies and equipment.
The Emergency Service reiterated the need for immediate humanitarian measures to ensure the safety of civilians and the continuity of critical healthcare services.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
