Middle East Situation Lebanon - Flash Update #2 (9 – 15 March 2026)

Overview

For the past two weeks, Lebanon faced a rapidly worsening and unpredictable security environment, in a context of wider regional escalation. Intensified aerial attacks and evacuation orders across multiple areas have driven further displacement and expanded humanitarian needs and exposed communities to sustained insecurity.

The insecurity is also directly affecting refugees, not least since Lebanon hosts the world’s largest number per capita. Multiple Informal Tented Settlements (ITS) in Baalbek-Hermel were directly affected by strikes, with confirmed damage to 11 tents and displacement to other ITS or open areas.

As of 15 March, the Government reported 850 people have been killed and 2,109 injured since the escalation began. According to open sources, 21 Syrians have been killed, of whom nine were known to UNHCR, while 54 Syrians have been reported injured (eight known to UNHCR).

The United Nations Secretary-General concluded a three-day solidarity visit to Lebanon from 13-15 March. On the first day Secretary General Guterres launched the Lebanon Flash Appeal alongside Prime Minster Salam. The Appeal calls for USD $308.3 million to provide lifesaving assistance and protection to one million affected people for three months. Under this Appeal, UNHCR requires $61 million to reach 600,000 affected people with protection, shelter and core-relief items, and cash assistance.

Displacement is rising rapidly as families flee affected areas in search of safety amid expanding Israeli evacuation orders and continued airstrikes. As highlighted by the Minister of Social Affairs in the Flash Appeal launch “1.3 million people have been affected, nearly half children and more than half women and girls”. This includes the 831,002 individuals (including refugees) who as of 15 March had self-registered as displaced in Lebanon on the Government’s Relief Platform. According to UNHCR’s data, some 244,500 refugees known to UNHCR were registered as living in areas directly affected by airstrikes and evacuation orders before 2 March, and UNHCR’s refugee displacement tracking tool will gradually provide a more detailed snapshot of the direct impacts on the refugee population.

As displacement increases, the Government continues to activate collective shelters with 620 open of the 700 identified, as part of phase II of the emergency shelter strategy. Government representatives have reaffirmed an inclusive emergency shelter policy, open to all nationalities, including refugees. Collective shelters are currently hosting 130,715 displaced persons, with newly opened shelters quickly reaching full capacity, especially those in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. However, most of the displaced people are staying with relatives, renting temporary accommodation, or sheltering in cars or on the streets. Overcrowding is increasingly common, with multiple families sharing single apartments to reduce costs amid soaring living expenses and limited housing options.
Three official border crossings are currently open: Arida (pedestrian only), Al-Qaa and Masnaa. The number of crossings saw 113,293 Syrians and 12,684 Lebanese who have crossed into Syria the last two weeks. The Government circular waiving overstay fees and fines, and re-entry bans remain in effect. However, reports of increasing movements through unofficial crossing points have been noted. This raises protection concerns of exploitation by smugglers.

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