Lebanon: External Sitrep #01 (02 - 06 March 2026)

CONTEXT

Since 2 March 2026, renewed escalation of conflict in Lebanon has triggered rapid population movements, displacing over a hundred thousand people across the country. Population movements remain ongoing, and displacement figures continue to fluctuate due to high mobility, localized movements, and access constraints that limit the availability of real-time data.

The escalation has also resulted in significant human casualties, with 217 reported fatalities and 798 people injured to date, further compounding humanitarian needs and placing additional strain on already overstretched services.

Experience from the 2024 escalation of conflict shows that early displacement estimates often undercount movements, as population flows evolve faster than registration and reporting mechanisms. Current information suggests displacement is spreading beyond areas such as formal collective site activation, placing growing pressure on community infrastructure, service points, and humanitarian response capacities.

As evacuation orders expand across southern Lebanon, southern Beirut, and the Bekaa, additional population movements are expected. Humanitarian needs among displaced populations continue to rise, both within collective sites, many of which are operating at or close to full capacity, and among those residing outside formal shelter arrangements. Needs are likely to intensify further in the coming days.

Official land border crossing points remain operational, with 46,800 individuals having departed Lebanon crossing into Syria through Masnaa and Al Qaa since 2 March 2026.

Key highlights:

• IOM activated its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to enable rapid, evidence‑based decision‑making on displacement trends and priority needs.
• IOM has scaled up the distribution of Core Relief Items (CRIs), including mattresses, blankets and pillows, reaching more than 27,000 displaced individuals in and outside of collective sites across South Lebanon, Akkar, and Mount Lebanon.
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services have been expanded, providing counselling, specialized support, and awareness-raising activities for displaced populations outside collective shelters across Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, and North Lebanon.
• Migrants experience heightened protection risks due to barriers to assistance and the limited availability of shelter. In response, IOM is working with partners to support access to safe accommodation and essential services.

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