The recent escalation of conflict in Lebanon, which began on 2 March, has forced tens of thousands of families to flee their homes within minutes following Israeli evacuation warnings and intensified airstrikes. Over 667,000 people have now registered on Lebanon’s government displacement platform, marking an increase of more than 100,000 in just one day, with numbers continuing to rise. Around 120,000 displaced individuals are sheltering in government-designated collective sites, while many others are staying with relatives, friends, or searching for safe accommodation. Numerous families, some already displaced during the 2024 hostilities, have been forced to flee again, often with almost nothing, seeking safety in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, northern districts, and parts of the Bekaa region.
Personal stories illustrate the repeated trauma experienced by those affected. During a visit to a Beirut shelter, a woman in her 90s recounted losing 11 family members during the 2024 attacks and being displaced once again, highlighting the ongoing fear and uncertainty faced by many families. The crisis has also triggered cross-border movements, with over 78,000 Syrians and more than 7,700 Lebanese entering Syria since the escalation began. Among them are Syrian refugees who had planned to return home but rushed due to the current violence. UNHCR teams are present at border crossings, providing essential relief alongside Syrian authorities and partners.
Since the start of the conflict, UNHCR has actively supported Lebanon’s government and local authorities, delivering around 168,000 emergency items to more than 63,000 displaced people across over 270 collective shelters. These items include mattresses, blankets, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, solar lamps, and jerry cans, helping families meet urgent needs. Relief is dispatched through multiple channels, including national and international NGOs, municipal authorities, and partners like the Lebanese Red Cross, ensuring rapid assistance even in hard-to-reach areas.
The displacement crisis is taking a severe emotional toll, with children, adults, and older people experiencing fear and trauma. UNHCR, through community centers, outreach volunteers, and protection partners, is providing psychosocial support, reuniting separated children with families, identifying people at heightened risk, and assisting individuals with disabilities. Despite these efforts, the operation in Lebanon is only 14 percent funded, making international solidarity and fast, sustained support critical to meeting the growing humanitarian needs.
Civilians must be protected at all times, and safe, unhindered humanitarian access is essential to ensure that aid reaches those most affected. Every day the conflict continues, more suffering is inflicted on hundreds of thousands, while Lebanon and the broader region face further destabilization.
