Beirut, Lebanon, October 16, 2024 - For the third consecutive week,  the conflict in Lebanon is escalating and expanding - with Israeli airstrikes now hitting central Beirut. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 2,200 people have been killed, including more than 400 women and children, and over 100 health workers. 

According to the most recent Rapid Needs Assessment conducted by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Beirut Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, Baalbak, Akkar and the North, an alarming 90% of those newly internally displaced are now in urgent need of food and shelter as part of their basic needs. Simply put, they don’t have access to enough food, water, or critical items such as blankets to keep them warm at night. 

As Israeli airstrikes continue in heavily populated areas in the South, Beirut, and Bekaa, the primary concern among isplaced people is finding safe places for their children and families. 

A 44-year-old Lebanese man displaced from the south of Lebanon surveyed by the IRC told us,

“I can't believe that we have reached a day where I must worry if I can feed my kids, or whether I should skip a meal just to save it for when they get hungry. I came from the south 15 days ago and I am seeking refuge in a school, but I don’t know if it will also be bombed or not. Nowhere is safe." 

Juan Gabriel Wells, IRC Country Director in Lebanon, said,

“More than 700,000 people, 33% are children, have now fled their homes in search of safety, with most living outside collective shelters.  Many people are still living on the streets and in public spaces since the shelters in their area are full. As winter approaches, those who are unable to find adequate shelter will be vulnerable to the elements and at heightened risk of getting sick.

“For Syrian refugees living in Lebanon the situation is particularly dire. Many are unable to access collective shelters, leaving an already highly vulnerable population without safe options. Prior to the recent escalation, Syrian refugees faced deteriorating protection in Lebanon, evidenced by an increase in security crackdowns and raids and arbitrary arrests over recent years. The current escalation of conflict not only puts them at heightened risk, by further limiting their access to essential services such as medical care, shelter, and humanitarian aid, but also creates challenges for host communities and displaced Lebanese, all of whom deserve equal access to assistance, safety and dignity.”

The IRC is currently working with the Ministry of Public Health and partners to provide free medical services for internally displaced people, both Lebanese and Syrian refugees, in Akkar. We are conducting rapid needs assessments on a daily basis and have mobilized a medical team in the North of Lebanon to assess healthcare needs while also providing Mental Health and psychosocial support. With local partners and community kitchens in Beirut and Akkar, we are distributing hot meals and providing financial assistance to families to purchase food. Given the increasing need the IRC is providing shelter items such as mattresses, pillows, and blankets to those that have been displaced.

With the conflict showing no sign of abating, the IRC reiterates that civilians, hospitals, health workers and humanitarian staff must be protected, and calls on all actors to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. Widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, clinics, ambulances and schools, not only violates International Humanitarian Law, but is severely hindering humanitarian efforts and further exacerbating the needs of those affected. As winter fast approaches, bringing with it new and urgent challenges for those displaced, the IRC urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life, suffering and displacement. 

Note to Editors:  

The IRC has been working in Lebanon since 2012 delivering relief programs to Lebanese citizens and refugees. The IRC provides emergency and long-term support to people affected by, and recovering from, these overlapping crises. We offer legal services, protection, education, health including mental, sexual and reproductive health, and economic support to people affected by and recovering from crises. In 2023, we assisted more than 240,000 people throughout the country. To learn more about IRC’s programming in Lebanon, go here.