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Lebanon + 1 more

Lebanon: Flash Update #29 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 27 September 2024 - 7 p.m

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • 211,319 individuals (52% females) have been displaced since 8 October 2023, mainly from South Lebanon, El Nabatieh, Baalbeck-El Hermel due to the ongoing hostilities. (source: DTM)
  • 118,466 new displacements since 23 September, some of which might be experiencing a secondary movement.
  • Over 85,000 individuals have been displaced to at least 640 shelters identified. (source: DRM/LRC)
  • At least 1,540 conflict-related deaths have been reported since 8 October, with at least 5,140 injured. (source: MoPH)
  • Postponement of the new school year until 14 October 2024. (source: MEHE)
  • A $10 million LHF reserve allocation has been triggered, complemented by an additional $10 million from the CERF.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

For the fifth consecutive day, large-scale cross-border attacks have intensified along the Blue Line, targeting more areas of Lebanon. This escalation represents the largest surge in violence since 2006, with casualties on the first day alone nearing half of the total fatalities recorded during the 33-day war. Despite cautiously optimistic reports of a potential ceasefire following the Secretary-General’s address to the Security Council on 25 September, the number of attacks, casualties, and displacements continues to rise, resulting in at least 1,540 deaths reported since 8 October, with over 5,140 injured.

So far, it is reported that 211,319 individuals (52% females) have been displaced since 8 October 2023, primarily from South Lebanon, El Nabatieh, and Baalbeck-El Hermel due to ongoing hostilities (source: DTM). Since 23 September, 118,466 new displacements were recorded, with some individuals experiencing secondary movement. Over 85,000 individuals have been relocated to at least 640 shelters according to the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC).

The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted access to essential services, damaging critical infrastructure. Since 23 September, airstrikes have impacted 25 water establishments affecting access to clean water for nearly 300,000 people. Furthermore, at least 20 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in high-risk areas have been forced to close due to the violence, significantly limiting healthcare access.

Additionally, UNHCR Syria estimates that over 40,000 individuals, as of 27 September, including both Lebanese and Syrians (80 percent Syrians and 20 percent Lebanese), have crossed from Lebanon into Syria amid the escalating hostilities, including many women and children in dire conditions. UNHCR reported witnessing 10 severely injured victims and a mother carrying the bodies of her two children. The UN and its partners are mobilizing efforts to monitor arrivals and provide essential aid, including food, water, mattresses, and hygiene kits.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the humanitarian community, led by the UN Deputy Special Coordinator / Resident Coordinator / Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (DSCL/RC/HC) Imran Riza, is actively working to overcome significant access constraints that hinder partners and vulnerable populations in need of assistance. The Civil-Military Coordination (CMCoord) Cell and Access Working Group are focused on securing safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian operations. As the situation evolves, prioritizing guarantees for safe humanitarian access to individuals still in affected areas and collective shelters remains crucial to ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.

On 27 September, the DSCL/RC/HC briefed the press in Geneva stating that “we are witnessing the deadliest period in Lebanon in a generation, and many express their fear that this is just the beginning." He confirmed that “the UN and its partners are closely coordinating with the Lebanese government to support the response efforts. This includes aligning aid distribution, conducting joint assessments, and identifying urgent needs for affected populations.” The need to protect and not target civilians and civilian infrastructure and uphold international law was also stressed by Mr. Riza.

As of 25 September, Lebanon has recorded 211,319 internally displaced persons (IDPs), with:

  • 51 percent of IDPs living in host settings, while 16 percent opted for rental housing. Approximately 2 percent have relocated to secondary residences. Around 32 percent are housed in 341 collective shelters identified by local authorities. Of the 51 percent in host settings, 51,659 were co-living with non-internally displaced families, while 55,766 resided separately. According to IOM, 57 percent of those in host settings live in overcrowded conditions.
  • Over 85,000 individuals are currently housed in at least 640 shelters across the country with most of these shelters being public schools.
  • 35 percent of IDPs are children (< 18 years), while 34 percent are female adults, and 31 percent are male adults.

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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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