The reporting period was characterized by a dramatic and lethal intensification of hostilities that has plunged Lebanon into its most severe humanitarian crisis in decades.
A 10‑day ceasefire brokered by the United States between Lebanon and Israel came into effect at midnight on Thursday 16 April, aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and paving the way for a lasting peace agreement.
Escalating hostilities in the region continue to impact cross-border movements from Lebanon into Syria. Between 2 March and 12 April, 277,000 individuals crossed into Syria through three official border crossings, according to Syrian authorities.
Continued escalation and geographic spread of hostilities Conflict continues to intensify across Lebanon, with airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground operations reported in the South, Nabatiyeh, Tyre District, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, while evacuation warnings and strikes have expanded to new areas, including in West Bekaa.
As of early 2026, 16.5 million require assistance, while over 1.4 million refugees and 1.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned since December 2024.
One month after hostilities intensified in the region and in Lebanon, Syria has seen a sharp rise in people crossing the border from Lebanon. Between 2 and 27 March, more than 200,000 people entered Syria through the three official crossing points, according to Syrian authorities.
The economic vulnerability of refugees markedly deteriorated throughout 2025, with the proportion of those reporting an inability to meet half of basic needs increasing from 44% in Q2 to 72% in Q4.
Over the past week, hostilities intensified with continued strikes on civilian infrastructure, including the destruction of key bridges and transport roads in southern Lebanon, significantly restricting movement and humanitarian access.
Escalating hostilities in the region in late February triggered an increase in cross-border movements from Lebanon into Syria. Between 2 and 27 March, over 202,477 individuals crossed into Syria through the three official border crossings, according to Syrian authorities.
Nearly a month into a rapidly escalating conflict, Lebanon is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis. Since 2 March, following intense Israeli strikes and widespread evacuation orders, more than 1 million people – one in five residents – have been forced to flee their homes.
