Lebanon: Flash Update #41 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 4 November 2024

This report is produced by OCHA Lebanon in collaboration with humanitarian partners and the Inter Sector Coordination Group. It covers the period from 1 to 4 November 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 3,002 people killed and 13,492 injured since 8 October 2023. 185 children killed and 1,206 injured among total casualties reported (MoPH).

• 872,808 people internally displaced of whom 52% female and 48% male (IOM).

• 78 attacks on healthcare facilities, with 130 health workers killed and 111 injured while on duty, since 8 October 2023 (WHO).

• School year started on 4 November with gradual resumption of classes, starting with three days a week (MEHE).

• The Flash Appeal, which calls for $426 million in support, remains underfunded at 21% of required funding.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has reached a critical point, with over 3,000 deaths recorded since 8 October 2023 – 58 per cent more than the 1,900 fatalities during the 2006 conflict. Across the country, at least 71 people were killed in airstrikes on 1 November alone. Additionally, an estimated 1.3 million people have been displaced, both within Lebanon and into neighboring countries, 33 per cent more than the number of people displaced in 2006. The situation continues to be exacerbated by intensified Israeli airstrikes and displacement orders – particularly affecting Haret Saida and Baalbek, further deteriorating the already dire humanitarian crisis. Since 23 September 2024, the Israeli army has issued displacement orders for more than 160 villages and over 130 buildings in conflict-affected regions of Lebanon. These orders have forced residents to immediately flee their homes, leading to significant risks and challenges as families seek safety amidst ongoing hostilities and insecurity.

During the reporting period, significant changes in the conduct of hostilities were observed, including an expanded targeting of previously non-targeted areas such as land crossing points between Lebanon and Syria in Hermel, Bekaa and Akkar. The 2 November strike on Akroum village, Akkar, was the first airstrike in the Governorate. On 1 November, several areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs were hit by nighttime Israeli airstrikes following displacements orders issued at short notice. Additional strikes were also reported in the cities of Nabatieh, Baalbek, and the district of Aley (Mount Lebanon) according to local authorities, many of which were not preceded by a displacement order.
The Health sector continues to be targeted, with facilities, staff, and resources increasingly attacked - further straining Lebanon's already fragile health system. On 3 November, airstrikes near Tibnin Government Hospital in Bint Jbeil District in Nabatiyeh Governorate caused extensive damage to the hospital, injuring dozens of people. A separate airstrike near Baalbek Government Hospital in BaalbeckEl Hermel Governorate resulted in significant infrastructural damage to the facility, according to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Since October 2023, WHO reports that 130 healthcare workers have been killed and 111 injured while on duty – with 80 per cent of fatalities reported since 17 September 2024. At least 78 attacks on healthcare facilities have been recorded over the past 13 months. Across affected areas, 98 public health centres and dispensaries have closed, while hospitals in conflict zones - including Baalbek, Baabda, Marjaayoun, Bint Jbeil, and Tyr districts - are facing severe impacts. Eight hospitals are completely non-functional, seven are partially functional, and four have sustained infrastructural damage.

Meanwhile, the Education sector, which has faced significant challenges with at least 60 percent of public schools repurposed as shelters – and nearly 400 schools reportedly closed due to insecurity or damage, has now begun gradually bringing children back to learning. On October 31, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) announced a phased resumption of classes, starting with three days a week. This plan begins with the enrollment of 175,000 students, including 38,000 displaced children, with UNICEF support. Students will attend 350 public schools that are not currently serving as collective shelters, as well as 169 private schools that will temporarily accommodate public school students. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, has urgently called for increased support to education in Lebanon.

UNRWA reports that while its water and sanitation services in Tyr are currently operational, there is a significant risk of fuel shortages, particularly in the Tyr area, where access to fuel is limited. Water pumping is functioning at minimal levels, highlighting the urgent need to secure fuel deliveries within the next week to sustain the ongoing operation of water facilities in Palestine refugee camps in Tyr. Without timely intervention, the agency warns that disruptions to the water supply within the camps could occur, jeopardizing the health and well-being of vulnerable refugees. Since 8 October 2023, at least 34 water facilities have been damaged by attacks, affecting water supply to more than 400,000 people, primarily in southern Lebanon, according to UNICEF.