In Lebanon, civilians continue to live in fear despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with UNHCR reporting that at least 380 people have been killed since mid‑April. Many displaced families attempting to return to their homes in Nabatieh and Tyre have found them destroyed, forcing them back into collective shelters with little hope of rebuilding. UNHCR’s Karolina Lindholm Billing described widespread devastation and the growing despair among families who have lost both homes and dignity.
Emergency workers are also under threat. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported that paramedics face daily risks, with two volunteers killed in recent months while responding to emergencies. Despite international humanitarian law protecting civilians and aid workers, ambulance missions have become perilous, with volunteers unsure if they will return safely.
The conflict has displaced around 1.8 million people across Lebanon since March, when fighting reignited following Israeli military action against Hezbollah. Thousands remain in areas under Israeli control in the south, where humanitarian convoys struggle to deliver aid. Access to basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare remains extremely difficult.
Aid agencies stress that restoring dignity is as important as delivering assistance. IFRC emphasized that listening to affected communities and enabling them to support one another is central to the humanitarian response. The ceasefire has not restored livelihoods or guaranteed essential services, leaving millions of Lebanese civilians caught in uncertainty and upheaval.
