SARD Lebanon Flash Report 1 (October 16, 2024)

Situation Overview

Since early October 2024, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon have intensified and expanded, hitting civilian infrastructure, leading over 541,000 people to flee southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. 2,169 people have been killed and 10,212 injured since 8 October 2023, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

The displacement crisis is overwhelming Lebanon’s capacity to shelter and support affected populations. According to IOM, 689,715 persons are internally displaced since 8 October 2023, of which 52% are female. 186,400 people are seeking refuge in 1,023 collective shelters, 86% of them are already at full capacity (882 shelters). Shelters are overcrowded and lack basic necessities. UNICEF reports approximately 350,000 children have been displaced by the conflict.

In addition to Lebanese citizens, many Syrian refugees who had previously sought refuge in Lebanon are once again displaced, facing renewed insecurity. Syrian refugees are faced with the agonizing decision of whether to remain in conflict-stricken Lebanon or return to war-torn Syria, where infrastructure and basic services are still crippled. Over 185,000 people have fled to Syria, primarily through the Masnaa Border Crossing which has also been the target of Israeli airstrikes.

According to OCHA, as of 28 September 2024, 25 water facilities are reported damaged impacting nearly 300,000 people, and 37 health facilities are closed across the country, raising the risk of infectious disease spread.

Displacement now surpasses the 2006 war. Host communities, already suffering from economic crises, are unable to adequately support the influx of displaced persons.