The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has deteriorated sharply amid the expanding regional conflict involving Israel and Iran.
Civilian Casualties Rising
According to the World Health Organization:
- 486 people killed
- 1,313 injured
- 259 children among the injured
- 84 children killed
Health officials warned the number of child casualties is unusually high because many strikes have occurred in densely populated urban areas, including Beirut.
Massive Displacement
Data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees shows the conflict has displaced more than 667,000 people across Lebanon.
- 120,000 people are currently in government-run shelters
- Many others are staying with relatives
- Thousands are sleeping in cars or on streets
The pace of displacement is already faster than during the 2023–2024 Israel-Hezbollah war, when about 886,000 people were internally displaced.
Escalation of the Conflict
Lebanon became directly involved in the wider Middle East war after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel.
Israel has responded with extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, saying the attacks target Hezbollah military infrastructure.
The Israeli military also issued large-scale evacuation orders covering southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Health System Under Pressure
The WHO reports severe pressure on Lebanon’s healthcare system:
- 5 hospitals completely out of service
- 4 hospitals partially damaged
- 43 primary healthcare centres closed
Most of the closures are in southern Lebanon, where evacuation orders have forced civilians to flee.
Growing Humanitarian Concerns
U.N. officials warn that many displaced people had already lost homes and relatives during previous conflicts.
With renewed fighting, thousands fled immediately after new strikes began, fearing further destruction and civilian casualties.
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