Lebanon is facing a rapidly deteriorating development and humanitarian situation, renewed conflict and longstanding structural vulnerabilities. Following a sharp escalation in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel on 2 March 2026—the most severe since the November 2024 ceasefire—hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced within days, placing immense strain on already fragile communities and public services. As of mid-March, more than 822,000 people, including nearly 300,000 children, have been registered as displaced, with many seeking shelter in collective sites across the country. The violence has resulted in significant casualties, including a high proportion of children, while widespread damage to homes, schools, health facilities, and essential infrastructure has further disrupted daily life and access to basic services.

These developments are compounding an already severe socio-economic and humanitarian crisis. Even prior to the escalation, around 3 million people in Lebanon required assistance, including refugees and vulnerable host communities affected by prolonged economic instability, spillover effects from the Syria crisis, and environmental pressures such as water scarcity. Nearly one million people were facing acute food insecurity, while health, water, and social protection systems were under significant strain. The current crisis is intensifying these challenges, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian response and longer-term efforts to stabilize essential services, protect vulnerable populations, and support recovery and resilience

Source: OCHA, 2026