Attachments
Situation Overview
- Since 17 September 2024, there has been an unprecedented surge in casualties and displacement in Lebanon due to intensified hostilities, compounding the already profound toll of over one year of violence since the spillover from the Israeli-Gaza conflict. In the last year there have been 2,464 deaths and 11,530 injuries related to the conflict according to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
- The escalation in hostilities has forced five hospitals and 100 out of 207 primary health centers in Lebanon to close, 94 health workers have been killed in the line of duty. There have been 36 attacks on healthcare facilities – two-thirds have occurred since 17 September according to WHO. Due to the security situation, six out of 16 UNFPA-supported primary healthcare centers, one out of nine mobile units, and five out of 17 women and girls' safe spaces are no longer operational.
- In addition to intensified attacks in the South, Nabatieh, Bekaa and Beirut’s southern suburbs, since 11 October, Israeli airstrikes have spread to Zgharta, Batroun, and Kesserwan in North Lebanon, resulting in over 45 casualties. UNIFIL has also reported multiple incidents, including injuries to peacekeepers and damaged facilities.
- Forced displacement orders and the continued airstrikes near Beirut are driving new waves of displacement. As of 21 October, a total of 809,043 individuals have been displaced, with 191,402 registered in 1,002 collective shelters (876 at full capacity) and around 48% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in host settings. Approximately 25% of IDPs are in rental housing and 2% are living in unfinished buildings, tents, parks, and on the streets.
- Between 23 September and 16 October, at least 405,000 people (70% Syrian, 30% Lebanese) crossed into Syria (UNHCR/SARC), while nearly 11,700 Lebanese have arrived in Iraq (UNHCR).
- With most public schools now serving as collective shelters, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) has postponed the start of the school year to 4 November. This delay directly affects the education of approximately 400,000 children displaced by the ongoing conflict as well as children who are enrolled in public schools that have been turned into shelters.
- Operational challenges are significant. Humanitarian actors face severe access constraints due to persistent, unpredictable security threats and ongoing airstrikes. Beirut's only airport is operating at limited capacity, complicating the delivery of critical supplies.