How DEC charities are responding to escalation in Lebanon
What’s happening in Lebanon?
Conflict in Lebanon continues to devastate lives. Since the latest escalation at the beginning of March, more than 667,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.
Families are staying in collective shelters, usually based in schools or other public buildings, or sleeping outside in the open in tents.
Many have nowhere to go and have now been displaced multiple times. During the conflict escalation in October 2024, over a million people across Lebanon fled their homes, as housing, critical infrastructure and livelihoods were destroyed.
How are donations helping people?
DEC charities and their local partners are working tirelessly to reach people across Lebanon as the humanitarian crisis deteriorates again, while continuing to support those affected by the conflict escalation in 2024. Many are adapting their work to distribute emergency aid such as food baskets, hygiene supplies, mattresses and bedding. They are also still delivering longer term support including cash assistance, livelihood support and water system repairs.
The Middle East Humanitarian Appeal launched in October 2024. Donations are providing a lifeline to families impacted by conflict in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank and Syria.
During the first six months of the DEC response in Lebanon, between October ‘24 and April ‘24:
- More than 35,000 people received food assistance, including ready to eat food parcels, hot meal distributions, and food baskets
- More than 65,000 people received essential hygiene and sanitation items
- More than 5,300 people received clothing or personal items
- More than 5,000 people received blankets, winter kits and fuel for collective shelters