What's happening in Lebanon? 

Conflict in Lebanon continues to devastate lives. Since the latest escalation at the beginning of March, more than a million people have been forced to flee their homes.

Families are staying in overcrowded collective shelters, usually based in schools or other public buildings, or sleeping in cars and tents. Many have nowhere to go and have now been displaced multiple times.

People are cut off from basic services including water, electricity, and healthcare. Ongoing violence continues to cause destruction and displacement. Public infrastructure has also been heavily damaged, leaving entire communities without access to essential healthcare services and clean water.

How are DEC charities supporting 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. Vulnerable groups including older people, refugees, and people with disabilities are a priority.  

They have been 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, water system repairs, mental health care, and livelihood support.

Some examples of how DEC charities are supporting people in Lebanon include: 

• Action Aid is distributing ready-to-eat food parcels to provide balanced nutrition to families living without access to cooking facilities.  
   
• World Vision is rehabilitating water and sanitation facilities, including toilets and showers in collective shelter sites.  
   
• Save the Children is providing essential supplies such as mattresses and bedding, and running child-friendly spaces in collective shelters.
   
• Plan International is distributing ready-to-eat food parcels and hygiene kits.
   
• Islamic Relief is providing cash support so people can buy essential food, medicine and supplies.
   

Lebanon displacement crisis

When the conflict in Lebanon escalated in 2024, thousands of people living in southern Lebanon were forced to flee their homes, some were able to return following the ceasefire agreement.

Since the latest escalation at the beginning of March, people are once again being forced from their homes, many not for the first time. Sabine Adiaad works for DEC charity ActionAid, and is based near Beirut in Lebanon.

"People don’t know when they will return back to their homes, or even if they can find their homes still standing. Entire families are forced to flee with nothing in their hands, and for many it is not the first time.’

 - Sabine Abiaad, communication coordinator at ActionAid Arab Region

Now in Lebanon, over a million people, a fifth of the population, are internally displaced and vulnerable groups are facing increased risks. Many displaced households are staying with host communities, or in informal sites, unfinished buildings, public spaces, or vehicles, often in overcrowded conditions.

What's happening in The West Bank?

Ongoing violence in the West Bank has led to widespread displacement and damage to homes, infrastructure and vital services. Three DEC charities and their local partners have been supporting families by distributing much-needed cash assistance for food items so people can use local markets, providing clothing, shelter support.

Despite the challenges member charities and their local partners are working tirelessly to support people impacted by the ongoing crisis in the West Bank.

What's happening in Syria?

Since the latest escalation in Lebanon, more than 243,206 people have entered Syria since the, including refugees who had planned voluntary returns but accelerated their movement due to the unexpected insecurities.

Hundreds of thousands of people fled across Lebanon’s border to Syria after conflict escalated in September 2024, DEC charities have been working to support people with their most urgent needs. With many families still displaced and living in difficult conditions in temporary shelter sites, a number of DEC charities are working with local partners in Syria to provide vital aid such as food baskets, water and sanitation support, hygiene supplies and warm blankets.

Are any funds from this appeal being spent in Israel?

The DEC is concerned about the situation in Israel, and the loss of life and suffering that so many there have faced. Thousands of people have been displaced, and many are dealing with trauma after months of conflict.

DEC appeal responses always focus on those areas where significant humanitarian needs are not being met. For this reason,  funds from the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal are currently supporting people in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank and Syria, where millions of people urgently need food, water, shelter and medical care.

Find out more. 

How you can help people in Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank now

Donations to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal are making a difference. The appeal is open for donations and more funds will help DEC charities and their local partners scale up their response and help people on the long path to recovery.