An escalation in clashes Thursday between supporters of Sunni and Shiite political parties adds to increased stress and fear of children and families throughout the country, according to the Director of World Vision in Lebanon. It also led World Vision Lebanon to close all offices until the security situation improves.

'We're deeply concerned about the direction the protests have taken and the effect they will have on the already fragile peace in this country,' said national director Perry Mansfield. 'Clashes and protests that keep humanitarian organisations from doing their work hurt poor communities".

Early Thursday clashes between armed groups were reported near the city of Zahle in the Bekaa Valley. World Vision Lebanon's West Bekaa, Central Bekaa and Zahle ADP offices are located in Zahle and were closed early Thursday morning.

Throughout the day armed protestors in several Beirut neighbourhoods continued to confront each other and the Lebanese Army from behind roadblocks of dirt, cars and burning tires. Protestors also blocked major roads in the east and south of Lebanon that lead to Beirut. Several people were reported wounded in shootouts near Tripoli in north Lebanon and in the eastern part of the country. As more roads were blocked, World Vision decided to shut down all of its programmes and send staff home early.

'The children and communities of Lebanon have already endured too much,' said Mansfield. 'We are praying for a quick and peaceful resolution to this situation and to the ongoing confrontation in Lebanon that will allow World Vision to continue meeting the needs of the poorest of the poor in the country.

The clashes began Wednesday morning during what was initially a general strike called by the General Federation of Labour to pressure the government to increase the minimum wage. The strike was eventually called off as the demonstrations turned violent, with protestors throwing rocks and reports of gunfire in several areas. The road to the airport remains blocked and the airport effectively closed.