Lebanon: Flash Update #21 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon (as of 27 April 2026)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Continued insecurity and renewed displacement orders – 114,534 displaced people remain in 616 collective shelters.
• Three water-pumping stations in Hasbaya district damaged and inoperable due to shelling.
• Multisectoral needs assessment (ERNA) launched inside and outside collective shelters on 27 April.
• Protection risks escalating, as displaced persons face housing discrimination, inflated rents, and exploitation.

Situation Overview

The humanitarian situation remains fragile and volatile despite the extension of the ceasefire, with continued insecurity particularly affecting southern Lebanon and parts of the Bekaa and Nabatieh Governorates north of the Litani River. Daily reports of demolitions, shelling and airstrikes continued and renewed displacement orders were issued by Israeli forces affecting civilian populations.

Between 24 and 27 April, at least 32 people were killed and 85 injured, bringing to total number of conflict-related fatalities to 2,521 and injuries to 7,804 since 2 March 2026, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Essential services remain under strain. In Hasbaya District, shelling rendered three water pumping stations inoperative. According to WHO, six hospitals and 46 primary health‑care centres remain closed, alongside 149 reported attacks on healthcare, placing further pressure on remaining facilities.

Displacement remains high and fluid, with multi-directional movements observed. Some people who had returned to their areas of origin have been displaced again, either back to previous displacement sites or onwards to new locations, as insecurity persists. As of 27 April, 114,534 people were staying in 616 collective shelters, a 4.7 per cent decrease since the previous report. However, most displaced people remain outside shelters, with movements largely temporary and reversible. Overall, around 1 million people remain displaced throughout the country.

Humanitarian access remains constrained. Despite reported repairs to key roads and bridges by the Lebanese Armed Forces since 17 April, insecurity and remaining damage to key roads near Qasmiya Bridge and along the Nabatieh-Khardali road - both critical for civilian and humanitarian movement across southern Lebanon - continue to limit returns and disrupt sustained operations.

Amidst these challenges, humanitarian partners continue to reach people. Around 130 humanitarian partners are providing cash and in‑kind assistance, protection services, shelter support, health care, water, and basic assistance, in coordination with national and local authorities.