The current escalation in Lebanon began on 2 March, when Hezbollah fired on Israeli positions, prompting a strong retaliation from Israel. Since then, exchanges have intensified, with heavier fire from Hezbollah and increased attacks, including some ground incursions from Israel, resulting in what UN officials describe as a “full-blown humanitarian catastrophe.”
A staggering 815,000 people have been uprooted by the violence since the initial attacks, reflecting the severe impact on civilians. Children and women are particularly affected, with 83 children killed in the first week of the conflict, accounting for roughly 20 percent of overall fatalities, while women make up about 21 percent. The crisis is also disrupting education, as around 120,000 displaced people are sheltering in public schools, turning classrooms into temporary living spaces and depriving children of their right to education.
Many families fleeing the conflict had only recently returned home after the 2024 escalation between Israel and Hezbollah and were trying to rebuild their lives. Stories from shelters highlight the extreme hardship, including families arriving with only the clothes they were wearing, and relying on basic aid like blankets, mattresses, and cooking supplies to survive. Despite these challenges, women are playing a central role in holding families together, organizing evacuations, and supporting children through trauma.
The humanitarian response is under strain as Lebanon faces a broader crisis than in 2024, compounded by funding cuts and reduced regional support. Countries that previously provided aid, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, are now themselves affected by regional tensions and unable to assist as before. UN agencies are repurposing existing funds for lifesaving priorities and preparing a flash appeal to mobilize additional support, drawing also on the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and emergency funding sources.
UN officials stress that humanitarian assistance alone cannot end the suffering. They call for an urgent ceasefire, political and diplomatic solutions, unrestricted humanitarian access, and respect for international humanitarian law. Civilians, who are bearing the brunt of the conflict, must not pay the price for hostilities.
