A Closer Look: The Lebanese Humanitarian Crisis

Image by Louisa Gouliamaki [i]

The crisis in Lebanon has unfolded into one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes the region has seen in decades. Entire towns lie in ruins, more than a million people have been forced to flee their homes, and the death toll continues to rise daily. What began as an escalation of violence has spiraled into a full-blown humanitarian disaster, threatening the lives of millions and leaving the most vulnerable – especially  children – at extreme risk.

Violence from Across the Border

The conflict that ignited this current catastrophe began in neighboring Israel.

In 1948, the state of Israel was established, which marked the beginning of an ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Since then, the region has experienced significant violence, hardship, and instability, affecting the lives of millions. Poverty and suffering have been prevalent in Palestine, as ongoing clashes have disrupted daily life.

In October 2023, tensions escalated when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, which prompted a swift military response. However, the conflict quickly spread beyond Gaza, drawing in Hezbollah, a militant group based in southern Lebanon. This led to further hostilities, turning into full-scale military engagements between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

The bombardment of southern Lebanon began. Airstrikes rained down, leveling homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in a matter of days. It was the worst escalation of violence the region had seen since the 2006 Lebanon War. For families caught in the crossfire, there was no escape – entire villages were given evacuation orders as bombs fell indiscriminately. By late September 2024, the skies over Lebanon were filled with the terrifying roar of airstrikes day and night.

Mass Displacement and Unimaginable Suffering

The violence has caused over 1.2 million people to flee their homes, desperately seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters, or worse, in open spaces without adequate protection.

Hospitals and health centers were overwhelmed and, in many cases, destroyed. It wasn’t just the physical destruction that took a toll—the psychological trauma has left deep scars on those who survived.

Here's how Lebanese university students in the UK feel about the crisis their country faces: 

"Being away from my country while it suffers is extremely painful. What’s happening in Lebanon, and seeing it unfold on news platforms and social media, has a profound effect on me and my daily life. I constantly think about it and about my loved ones who have stayed behind, enduring the torment and chaos. What hurts me the most, as a Lebanese watching her country fall apart, is the silence. No one is speaking up, the world stays silent, and countries are ignoring the crimes inflicted upon Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Syria. It's disgusting, horrific, and it must be stopped." 

Zea Kabbani, 18

As a Lebanese student studying abroad, watching a war unfold in my country is painful. Being far from home, I feel a sense of helplessness knowing that my loved ones are living a reality full of uncertainty and fear, never knowing what is coming next. It’s heartbreaking to see historical sites, which hold centuries of a population’s history, getting destroyed within seconds. While I am grateful for being in a safer environment, the guilt of being away in such a difficult time weighs heavily on me.

Keira Kazan, 18

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by escalating violence that mirrors the intensity of the 2006 war.

As of mid-October 2024,

The situation worsened dramatically on September 23, 2024, which has been deemed the deadliest day of conflict in Lebanon in nearly two decades, resulting in 500 deaths alone.

1/4 of the country is now under evacuation orders, forcing families into open spaces in a desperate attempt to escape the violence.

Impact on Children and Vulnerable Populations

Children are bearing the brunt of this violence. Organizations like Save the Children and UNHCR are on the ground, providing vital support to the most vulnerable. Save the Children has initiated emergency responses to deliver food, hygiene kits, blankets, and recreational materials to displaced families . Meanwhile, the UNHCR has reported that its teams are mobilizing to offer essential items, legal assistance, and shelter to those who have fled.

According to reports, over 141,000 relief items have been distributed to those affected. The international community’s support is crucial at this juncture

The Regional Ripple Effect

The crisis in Lebanon does not exist in isolation; it has far-reaching implications for the entire region. As violence escalates, we see a concerning trend of Syrian refugees returning to a war-torn homeland. Since the latest conflict escalated, over 283,000 individuals have crossed back into Syria, many of whom are fleeing from the very safety they sought in Lebanon . This influx of returnees further strains the already scarce resources in Syria, which has its own humanitarian challenges, with 90% of the population requiring assistance.

Join Us in Making a Difference

How You Can Help

• Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the magnitude of the Lebanon crisis is crucial. Learn about the situation and share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community. Awareness is the first step toward action, and by spreading information, you help keep this issue in the spotlight, encouraging more people to get involved.
• Donate to Relief Organizations: Your donations, no matter how small, can help provide food, water, medical care, and shelter to displaced families. Organizations like the Lebanese Red Cross, Beit el Baraka, Food Blessed, Lebanese Food Bank, and Save the Children are responding to the urgent needs of vulnerable communities. Your contribution can make a life-changing difference.
• Fundraise: Host a fundraiser within your local community, school, or workplace to collect funds for relief efforts. Every effort counts. The profits can then be directed to organisations who support the Lebanese Humanitarian Relief. Find more information on these organaziations in the affiliate links below. 
• Advocate for Action: Use your voice to call for greater humanitarian support and protection for civilians in Lebanon. Share articles, posts, and resources that highlight the situation and encourage others to do the same.
• Pray: If you are religious or spiritual, consider keeping Lebanon and its people in your thoughts and prayers.

Affiliate links on How to Help: