The United Nations has issued a new funding appeal as humanitarian needs in Lebanon escalate daily due to intensifying conflict. “Humanitarian needs are soaring with each day of the conflict; our work is unfortunately far from over…we need the funding,” stated Imran Riza, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon. Speaking from Beirut amidst ongoing violence, Riza expressed dismay at the widespread destruction, which has impacted hospitals, clinics, government buildings, agricultural lands, and water stations, while schools are now serving as displacement sites.
Since the latest surge in violence, over 3,500 people have been killed and more than 10,000 injured, with nearly one million people displaced. “Health workers and first responders are facing death and injury on a horrific scale,” Riza noted, adding that entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. He highlighted the profound trauma of repeated displacement, inadequate shelter, and uncertainty about returning home. Delivering aid under these challenging circumstances requires an immediate increase in support for the most vulnerable. Riza also pointed out that constant displacement orders make tracking people’s locations difficult.
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported that affected populations are rapidly depleting their coping mechanisms, and essential services are under immense strain.
Heightened Dangers for Women and Girls
Mass displacement in Lebanon has amplified risks for women and girls. Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), warned that overcrowded shelters lack privacy, adequate sanitation, and basic protection. “Overcrowded shelters lack privacy, adequate sanitation and basic protection measures,” he cautioned. An estimated 600,000 women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence. With approximately 1,800 women expected to give birth monthly, access to essential maternal health services is becoming increasingly difficult as healthcare facilities, including hospitals and primary healthcare centers, continue to be targeted and forced to close.
Airstrike Impact and Displacement Crisis
Saberton recounted visiting a UNFPA-supported primary healthcare center and a women and girls’ safe space in south Lebanon that was severely damaged by airstrikes. Imran Riza further elaborated on the protracted displacement crisis in southern Lebanon, noting that an estimated 28,000 people remain beyond Israel’s self-declared military line. He stated that in 2024, after conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, some 68,000 people could not return to their villages due to safety concerns or destruction. The current estimation suggests this number could reach at least 200,000.
The emergency appeal launched on Friday brings the total UN and partner funding request for Lebanon through August of this year to $639.9 million.
