UN, Lebanon appeal for $371.4 million in humanitarian aid
A man waves a Lebanese flag as he stands amidst the rubble of a building destroyed in Israeli strikes in Tyre, Lebanon, on November 27, 2024 [Adnan Abidi/Reuters]
The United Nations, in collaboration with the Lebanese government, has issued an urgent appeal for an additional $371.4 million to support those displaced by the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
This request builds upon an earlier appeal for $426 million launched in October when hostilities escalated, displacing hundreds of thousands in Lebanon.
The initial appeal garnered approximately $250 million, falling short of the resources needed to address the widespread displacement and destruction caused by the conflict.
Over two months of intense fighting, which included heightened cross-border violence and a major Israeli offensive into Lebanon, led to severe humanitarian consequences.
A ceasefire agreement reached in late November brought an end to the violence, during which key Hezbollah figures, including its chief Hassan Nasrallah, were killed.
Despite the cessation of hostilities, over 125,000 people remain displaced, with many more facing significant hurdles in rebuilding their lives.
Imran Riza, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The additional funding is urgently required to sustain life-saving efforts and prevent further deterioration of an already dire situation.”
The appeal focuses on aiding nearly one million individuals, including Lebanese citizens, Syrian refugees, and Palestinian refugees, who have been profoundly affected by the conflict.
The funding will support emergency humanitarian efforts for a three-month period, extending through March 2025.
Since the ceasefire took effect on November 27, over 800,000 displaced individuals in Lebanon have been able to return to their homes, according to UN data.
However, significant challenges persist for those still displaced and communities struggling to recover from the devastation.
This additional funding aims to bridge the gap in humanitarian response, ensuring critical support reaches those most in need during the ongoing recovery phase.
