Between 23 September 2024 and 27 November 2024, Lebanon experienced a catastrophic escalation in hostilities, set against a backdrop of a multi-layered and complex governance, economic and financial crisis, leading to new humanitarian needs. The rapidly deteriorating security situation resulted in 4,047 civilian casualties and 16,638 injuries. The escalating violence also caused the largest wave of displacement Lebanon has seen in decades, with 786,443 (as of 5th of December) internally displaced within Lebanon, surpassing the number of people displaced in the 2006 war. The conflict also caused widespread destruction of buildings and agricultural land in the most-affected areas and led to the collapse or curtailment of access to essential services in many regions.
Two weeks after the cessation of hostilities was announced on 27 November 2024, Lebanon continues to grapple with an increasingly complex humanitarian situation. The scale of damage, of people displaced and returning to their communities in conflict-affected areas means that urgent needs continue to unfold. Many returning families face a difficult reality of destroyed homes, while critical infrastructure has been severely impacted and essential services such as healthcare, water, and education have been severely disrupted. In such cases, returning families remain internally displaced, but have moved closer to their home areas within their cadasters. Ongoing insecurity and access restrictions, including Israeli Army warnings against return to some 70 localities in southern Lebanon, further complicate humanitarian assistance and early recovery efforts. In addition, the risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is of significant concern. While the ceasefire in Lebanon provides a much-needed respite, the country's health needs remain overwhelming.
By the end of December 2024, 168 visits have been conducted, including 13 site assessments and 587 sessions. Through these efforts, 685 IDPs have received MHPSS services (including PSS, somatic care, psychiatric consultations, nursing assessments, and medications) across 13 schools (specifically in Zgharta, Batroun, and Koura Districts) and 7 communites (specifically in Miniyeh Zouq Behanine, Abu Samra, Al Shok, Sahet El Noor, Wadi El Nahle, Jabal Mohsen, and Kfar Kahel) in North Lebanon.
