Lebanon: Flash Update #31 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 1 October 2024 - 10:00 p.m.

Highlights

• Around 1,600 people killed, including 104 children, more than 9,000 injured since 8 October (MoPH).

• More than 1 million people directly affected and/or displaced by intense airstrikes across Lebanon (DRM Unit).

• Approximately 177,000 Syrian and 63,000 Lebanese nationals have crossed into Syria to escape violence (DRM unit).

• Three-month $426 million Lebanon Flash Appeal launched on 1 October.

• Health Sector continues to face immense challenges, including targeting of five facilities and 38 health personnel, closure of around 40 health facilities and shortages of healthcare workers (WHO).

SITUATION OVERVIEW

For the second consecutive week, Israeli airstrikes have continued to target densely populated areas across Lebanon, driving waves of displacement and further exacerbating the needs of affected and displaced populations. Areas not previously targeted by airstrikes, including central Beirut and Palestinian refugee camps, have been hit by airstrikes for the first time, signaling a significant shift in the escalations.

On 28 September, the Israeli army issued additional evacuation orders to residents in Beirut's southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa, instructing them to leave and not return until further notice. On 1 October, new orders were issued for all residents of southern Lebanon, advising them to avoid using vehicles for travel between the North and South Litani River. Following the announcement of a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, residents of border villages were directed "evacuate their homes immediately" and head north of the Awali River to "save their lives." Even as these orders were being circulated, airstrikes continued to target various areas, causing numerous civilian deaths and triggering further displacement.

For the first time since the escalation began on 8 October 2023, Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s central district and Palestinian refugee camps. On 29 September, Cola district, a central area of Beirut, was targeted. A 30 September airstrike on El-Buss, a Palestinian camp in Tyr, and a 1 October airstrike on Ein el-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian camp in Lebanon, reportedly killed at least six people, including an NGO staff member killed in the airstrike on El-Buss. The casualty toll continued to rise between 29 September and 1 October, a total of 255 conflict-related deaths were reported and 687 injured according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Since 8 October 2023, MoPH reported over 9,000 injured and around 1,600 people killed.

The escalating violence has caused the largest wave of displacement Lebanon has seen in decades. Entire communities have been uprooted, and critical civilian infrastructure has been heavily damaged or destroyed. Amid the rapid escalation, keeping up with the rapid evolving situation is a challenge for reporting.

• National authorities estimate that over 1 million people are now directly affected and/or displaced by the conflict. IOM DTM reports a total of 346,209 (52% female and 48% male) being displaced since 8 October, with new displacements continuing to be reported and counting still ongoing.

• Regarding people residing in shelters, the national Disaster Risk Management Unit (DRM) has recorded more than 155,600 people - half of them women and children - throughout 875 collective shelters. Out of these centers, 625 (71%) have reached their maximum capacity.

In addition, approximately 177,000 Syrian and 63,000 Lebanese nationals, had crossed into Syria to escape the conflict, according to the national authorities. This outflow highlights the growing regional dimensions of the crisis, as people flee to neighboring countries for safety.

Lebanon’s health system is under immense strain due to ongoing airstrikes, with WHO confirming the deaths of at least 38 health personnel and injuries to over 68 others as of 27 September. Since 8 October 2023, damage has been reported to six hospitals in Baalbeck, Nabatieh and South. Additionally, around 40 of 317 primary health centers, and two hospitals have suspended the provision of services due to the escalation, further exacerbating the crisis’ impact on the population. The destruction of health infrastructure, coupled with mass displacement, is creating a worsening humanitarian situation. Compounding these challenges, 25 water facilities have been reported as damaged, disrupting water supply for over 360,000 people as of 30 September.