Following the collapse of the Syrian government on 8 December, the country has experienced a mix of optimism and disorder. It is now grappling with unstable security, an escalating humanitarian crisis, and widespread displacement.
Lebanon stands at a crossroads. The cessation of hostilities has allowed nearly 829,000 displaced people to return to their cadasters of origin as of 18 December, but for many, the journey back does not meet the minimum requirements for a secure and sustainable return.
Some 59 Palestinian-run schools, serving approximately 6,600 students and at least 715 teachers, face partial or full demolition orders or stop-work orders.
At this historic moment of opportunity for Syria, many refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) are considering returning home, and thousands of people are now arriving from neighbouring countries every day – but after almost 14 years of violent crisis many have little or nothing to return to.
UNHCR is engaging with thousands of refugees in neighboring countries, often with daily contact through helplines, surveys, focus group discussions, and other communications channels, listening to their concerns, providing up-to-date information, and understanding their perceptions and intentions around return.
The situation remains dire for the 44,000 displaced people staying in 263 emergency collective centers in north-east Syria. The majority of them lack adequate water and sanitation support.
Following the ceasefire, the restoration of economic activity, health services, and improved humanitarian access are expected to reduce the demand for food and health support. However, infrastructure rehabilitation and winter heating are expected to remain priority needs in areas affected by damage.
The situation in the Gaza Strip continues to be dire, with the northern governorate in critical need of essentials like food, water, and medical supplies.
WFP completed its November emergency cash assistance cycle, leveraging existing safety nets to support an additional 36,000 Lebanese people affected by the conflict. In total, WFP provided emergency cash assistance to 247,000 affected Lebanese people during the November cycle.
Over the past 14 months, more than 44,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed in Gaza. Nearly all of Gaza’s residents have been displaced — many multiple times.
The Household-Level Rapid Vulnerability and Needs Assessment (RNA) was conducted to identify the most urgent needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Lebanon, focusing on food security, shelter, healthcare, water, and protection, to inform targeted humanitarian interventions.
Since the onset of cross-border attacks on October 8, 2023, tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have significantly intensified with nearly 100,000 internally displaced people in Lebanon because of the conflict.
This report is produced by OCHA Lebanon in collaboration with humanitarian partners and the Inter Sector Coordination Group. It covers the period from 6 – 12 December 2024.
The Humanitarian Country Team in Lebanon, led by the Humanitarian Coordinator and supplementing national efforts, continues to respond to the humanitarian needs of the people affected by the increase in hostilities in Lebanon.
Multiple overlapping population movements in Syria and neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, have occurred following changes to the Syrian government on 7 December 2024 and a series of attacks across Syria.
On average, 250 people have been killed every week in November, bringing the death toll to a total of 4047 deaths and 16 638 injuries as of 4 December 2024.
Lebanon faces extraordinarily challenging times. While the ceasefire brings hope, the crisis is far from over. Displacement continues. Many communities remain unreachable. Humanitarian assistance will be needed for months.
Crisis (IPC Phase 3) area-level outcomes are expected to persist in the South, El Nabatieh, Baalbak-El Hermel, Akkar, and North Lebanon governorates given the level of infrastructure destruction to date and the level of investment required to rehabilitate key economic sectors.
The Humanitarian Country Team in Lebanon, led by the Humanitarian Coordinator and supplementing national efforts, continues to respond to the humanitarian needs of the people affected by the increase in hostilities in Lebanon.
