Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis now worse than 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, says UN
People check the rubble of a building in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel, following Israeli bombardment the previous night, on December 27, 2023, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. An Israeli air strike on a south Lebanon border town killed a Hezbollah fighter, the group said on December 27, 2023, with state media reporting two of his relatives were also killed. (Photo by AFP)
The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has reached catastrophic levels, surpassing the severity of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, according to the United Nations’ humanitarian agency (OCHA).
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the devastating conflict has claimed the lives of at least 2,968 people, with an additional 13,319 wounded.
The displacement of people is staggering, with estimates suggesting 1.2 million individuals have been forced to flee their homes, while the International Organization for Migration reports that a minimum of 842,648 people have been displaced.
Also Read: Gaza: UNICEF boss fumes as Israeli attacks kill 50 children in past 48 hours
Israel’s forced displacement orders have raised the concerning situation, largely affecting residents in eastern Baalbek and southern Nabatieh. This has led to widespread panic and mass displacement, with many spending the night in their vehicles, facing harsh conditions as they search for safety. The destruction of critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, has exacerbated the toll on the population.
The ongoing conflict has had severe physical and emotional impacts on children, with 166 killed and 1,168 injured since October 2023. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that children are displaying alarming signs of emotional distress, including fear, anxiety, and aggression.
The situation remains critical, with thousands of pregnant women impacted by the conflict, and an already stretched health system pushed to the brink.
