Attachments
CONTEXT UPDATE
On November 26, Israel and Hezbollah agreed on a fragile ceasefire agreement that came into effect on 27 November. While this represented a critical moment in the conflict, offering a temporary reprieve for affected populations, the hours prior to the implementation of the ceasefire saw Israeli forces conducting the heaviest series of airstrikes on Beirut of the conflict, striking central areas of the Lebanese capital multiple times, resulting in at least 10 fatalities in a single day and triggering a significant wave of displacement from the city. As thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) began returning to their areas of residence, particularly in the South, Bekaa, Baalbek, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, humanitarian organizations cautioned that the situation remained highly volatile, particularly from a protection standpoint.
By November 28, 76% of almost 190,000 IDPs in collective shelters left to return to their places of origin, indicating a rapid movement of people back to areas heavily targeted by the conflict over the past two months. This raises serious concerns regarding the presence of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), including Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), necessitating immediate support for the implementation of risk education awareness campaigns to ensure safe behaviours and returns.
Most of the collective shelters utilized during the crisis were public schools, and, as returns continue, principals and school managers have announced plans to reopen these facilities for educational purposes as soon as possible. However, with more than 100,000 housing units damaged or destroyed across Lebanon, many IDPs will remain displaced as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding their homes, meaning that shelter needs will continue to be significant.
The situation for Syrian refugees displaced from Lebanon to Syria (estimated around 350,000 according to UNHCR) is uncertain. Many Syrians crossed through unofficial border crossings to avoid re-entry bans imposed by Lebanese authorities during the escalation, making it difficult to ascertain the full number of people displaced into Syria. Given that conditions in Syria remain unfit for voluntary, safe, and dignified returns, humanitarian organizations, including DRC, anticipate that many refugees will attempt to return to Lebanon through unofficial border crossings, increasing the risks of family separation, work exploitation, and overall lack of protection. Moreover, despite the ceasefire, some Syrian refugees are reportedly facing obstacles in accessing areas where they previously resided, particularly in the South.
Displaced Syrian refugees continue to face severe discrimination, particularly in relation to accessing safe and adequate shelter, forcing many into negative coping mechanisms such as child labor and sexual exploitation. As the conflict protracted, Lebanese children also began engaging in child labor, particularly those outside collective shelters, highlighting the deepening socioeconomic impacts of the crisis on all affected populations. Many children have experienced intense trauma, exhibiting symptoms such as nightmares, bedwetting, and withdrawal. The increased use of negative coping mechanisms as well as psychological impact of the conflict will continue to have long-lasting impacts, exacerbating protection needs, particularly in relation to MHPSS.
Finally, as winter approaches, the harsh conditions pose additional challenges for displaced and returnee populations, particular those without access to safe and adequate shelter. Many IDPs and refugees, particularly those in self-settled sites and unfinished buildings, face freezing temperatures and damp conditions that increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and leave families struggling to stay warm without adequate heating or insulation.