UN Warns: Lebanon Needs $640 Million in Emergency Aid

The United Nations has sharply increased its emergency funding request for Lebanon, warning that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating as conflict continues to affect large parts of the country.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that nearly $640 million is now needed over the next six months to support people affected by the crisis.

The revised appeal more than doubles the amount originally requested earlier this year and reflects growing concerns about displacement, food shortages and pressure on essential services.

Humanitarian Needs Continue to Rise

According to OCHA, conditions across Lebanon have worsened significantly in recent months.

“The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is severe and deteriorating,” the agency said in its updated appeal.

Repeated displacement, limited shelter availability and the difficulty of returning safely to affected areas have left many families increasingly vulnerable.

The UN estimates that around 1.4 million people now require humanitarian assistance, representing roughly one quarter of Lebanon’s population.

Funding Gap Remains Significant

In March, the UN requested $308 million to support emergency operations through the end of May.

However, only $185 million of that appeal has been funded so far.

Despite the shortfall, humanitarian organisations were able to assist approximately 680,000 people during that period.

The latest request seeks an additional $331 million through the end of August, bringing the total appeal to nearly $640 million.

Aid agencies hope the increased funding will allow support to reach all those identified as being in need.

Displacement and Food Insecurity Worsen

The conflict has forced large numbers of people from their homes.

Lebanese authorities report that more than 3,500 people have been killed since fighting intensified in early March.

Nearly one million people have been displaced, creating growing pressure on shelters and local communities.

At the same time, food insecurity has become a major concern.

According to the UN, more than 1.2 million people are now facing acute food insecurity, meaning they struggle to consistently access enough food.

Rising Costs Add Pressure

The economic impact of the conflict is making conditions even more difficult for households.

OCHA reported that prices for essential goods and services have increased sharply across the country.

The cost of water, fuel and electricity has risen by more than one-third nationally, while some conflict-affected regions have experienced increases of up to 70%.

For many families already struggling with displacement and income loss, those rising costs have added another layer of hardship.

Healthcare and Education Under Strain

The crisis is also affecting key public services.

According to the UN, 62 hospitals and healthcare facilities have either been damaged or forced to close because of the conflict.

The education system is facing similar challenges.

Nearly 450 schools are currently being used as shelters for displaced families, disrupting learning for thousands of students and increasing the risk of long-term educational setbacks.

Urgent Support Needed

The UN says immediate financial support is essential to prevent conditions from worsening further.

Humanitarian agencies are continuing to provide food, shelter, healthcare and other emergency services, but officials warn that resources are becoming increasingly stretched.

With displacement rising, infrastructure under pressure and basic needs growing across the country, aid organisations are urging donors to provide additional funding quickly.

The coming months are expected to be critical as Lebanon faces one of its most serious humanitarian challenges in recent years.