The United Nations has launched a flash appeal for $308 million to assist Lebanon in coping with the humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 800,000 people due to ongoing conflict. This announcement came from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a visit to Beirut on March 2, 2024, highlighting the urgent need for international support.
The conflict escalated after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah initiated attacks on Israel, claiming these actions were in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. In response, Israel targeted Hezbollah positions within Lebanon, leading to a significant increase in military operations. Daily rocket and drone assaults from Hezbollah have been met with expanded Israeli airstrikes, particularly in the capital and surrounding areas, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
As a result of evacuation warnings issued by Israel, more than a seventh of Lebanon’s population has been forced from their homes. The ongoing violence and instability have heightened the urgency for humanitarian assistance, but aid organizations are facing significant funding challenges.
Carl Skau, the deputy executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), emphasized the dire circumstances, stating, “We’re only targeting those who are really on the verge of starvation or in starvation.” He noted that current resources are insufficient to meet the rising needs, which could lead to further deterioration of the situation if financial support does not increase.
The humanitarian landscape in Lebanon is complicated by ongoing global crises. The country has been reeling from the repercussions of a severe economic collapse in 2019, the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion, and the current conflict with Israel. According to Skau, the WFP is concerned that donor governments may struggle to provide additional funding due to rising global energy prices linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported last September that it had received only 25% of the necessary resources for its operations in Lebanon for 2025. This shortfall has forced significant cuts in cash assistance programs, further impacting vulnerable populations.
Humanitarian organizations like Medair and Solidarité́s International have already reported decreases in both the number and size of grants available for their operations in Lebanon. “Unless fresh money comes out, what we are deploying now as emergency response…will be gone in the next roughly couple of weeks,” warned Daniele Regazzi, Lebanon country director for Solidarité́s International.
The UN’s appeal reflects an urgent call for solidarity in action as Lebanon grapples with the overwhelming impact of this crisis. With the humanitarian situation becoming increasingly severe, international cooperation and financial support will be crucial in addressing the needs of those affected by the conflict.
