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SUMMARY OF CRISIS AND KEY FINDINGS
Since 23 September 2024, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified and sharply escalated. Over the last two months, Israeli bombardments inside Lebanon and incursions into southern Lebanon have resulted in widespread displacement, civilian casualties, and infrastructure damage which include the destruction of sometimes entire villages, farmland and livestock and the disruption of essential services, such as healthcare facilities, water systems, and schools across Lebanon.
On average, 250 people have been killed every week in November, bringing the death toll to a total of 4047 deaths and 16 638 injuries as of 4 December 2024. Vulnerable groups, including refugees, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are at heightened risk, especially those living in areas subjected to intense bombardment.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on 27 November at 4 a.m. Beirut time. The 60- day agreement offers a critical opportunity to alleviate the suffering of millions affected across Lebanon.
However, humanitarian needs remain at unprecedented levels. The overall situation remains dynamic, with ongoing movements and challenges in obtaining precise data on returns. Since 27 November, many displaced families have left collective shelters or other locations where they had sought refuge, beginning to return to their communities – often finding a state of severe destruction, including damaged or destroyed homes and limited access to basic services. Many families cannot yet return to their communities because their homes have been severely damaged or destroyed, as well as due to restrictions imposed by the Israeli Army. Key issues facing those returning towards their areas of origin include risks related to unexploded ordnance, injuries due to damaged buildings, widespread psychosocial distress and ongoing presence of armed groups and forces in some areas.
Displacement in recent weeks surpassed the 2006 war, triggered by intense Israeli strikes and orders for civilian evacuations. Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon affected around 1.3 million people. UNHCR has highlighted the concerning situation for Lebanese and refugees in the country, particularly as freezing temperatures and heavy rains worsen conditions for those forced to flee. People in Lebanon, including refugees, were already experiencing high levels of poverty and food insecurity while having limited access to services.16 Nearly 2 million Lebanese and Syrian refugees were estimated to be food insecure before the conflict