The Daily Star Lebanon Breaking News, Lebanon News, Middle East News & World News
Tasneem Elridi
Thousands of Lebanese families continue to suffer the consequences of a worsening humanitarian crisis despite the announced ceasefire.
According to the latest reports issued by the United Nations and international organizations, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has exceeded 1.049 million people, while more than 130,000 displaced individuals are currently residing in 632 collective shelters across Lebanon.
Concerns are growing over overcrowding and the diminishing capacity of these shelters to accommodate those in need.
Official health data indicate that 3,433 people have been killed and 10,395 injured since the escalation of hostilities in March. Children account for approximately 9% of all casualties, while women represent 12%.
Attacks on healthcare facilities and services continue to be reported.
As of June 1, a total of 190 attacks on the healthcare sector were documented, resulting in the deaths of 128 people and injuries to 332 others.
Lebanon was already struggling with severe economic hardship, rising poverty rates, and the long-lasting impact of the Beirut Port explosion, pushing countless families to the brink of economic collapse.
The latest wave of violence has further intensified the crisis, forcing families to choose between purchasing food, obtaining medicine, paying rent, or meeting other basic needs.
A Broad Humanitarian Response to Compounding Crises
In response to these challenges, LIFE for Relief and Development expanded its emergency humanitarian programs throughout the year.
The organization intensified the provision of temporary shelters and tents while delivering food baskets, freshly prepared meals, healthcare services, hygiene supplies, shelter assistance, and essential infant necessities. Thousands of vulnerable individuals affected by the crisis have benefited from these efforts, particularly in the highly affected areas of Tripoli, Akkar, and Tyre.
Eng. Mohammed Al-Sharif, Coordinator of LIFE’s Office in Lebanon, emphasized that the scale of current humanitarian needs extends far beyond emergency assistance and requires sustainable support that enables local communities to recover and rebuild their lives.
He explained that for many Lebanese families, the ceasefire has not translated into meaningful improvements in their daily lives. Affected communities continue to grapple with displacement, rising living costs, damaged infrastructure, and worsening economic and social conditions.
“Lebanese families are facing mounting economic pressures,” Al-Sharif said. “Bread prices have increased by 12% in recent months, while fuel prices have risen by nearly 84% since mid-February.
These increases have significantly raised transportation and production costs and further reduced the purchasing power of households.”
One Million Displaced People and 632 Shelters Under Pressure
Al-Sharif noted that charitable contributions and humanitarian donations continue to play a critical role in providing food assistance, healthcare, shelter support, and essential supplies to affected families.
These efforts help restore stability, dignity, and hope for thousands of Lebanese households. However, large segments of the population continue to face economic, social, and security challenges that require sustained humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery initiatives.
Addressing the healthcare situation, he added:
“Repeated attacks have damaged 17 hospitals, forced the complete closure of three hospitals, and disrupted operations at 42 primary healthcare centers. Healthcare institutions are also facing growing shortages of medicines and essential medical supplies, threatening the continuity of healthcare services, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and children.
As humanitarian organizations, we continue to face ongoing displacement caused by continued airstrikes and evacuation orders. At the same time, the return of displaced residents to their communities remains limited due to damaged infrastructure, destroyed homes, and persistent security risks.
Host communities are also experiencing increasing pressure as they receive large numbers of displaced families.”
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