Crisis in Lebanon: What You Need to Know | Project HOPE

09.24.2024

Project HOPE is on the ground in Lebanon mobilizing supplies and deploying surge staff in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Learn more about our response and how you can help.

Hundreds of people have been killed, thousands are injured, and tens of thousands of people have been displaced across Lebanon as conflict continues to spread between Israel and Hezbollah.  

Project HOPE’s team is on the ground in Lebanon responding to the growing humanitarian crisis. As we continue to assess health and humanitarian needs, our team is mobilizing health and hygiene supplies and deploying surge staff to assist civilians whose lives have been displaced by the conflict. Read on to learn more about our response. 

>>Read our latest Situation Report for our Lebanon Response

>>News Alert: Project HOPE Launches Emergency Response in Lebanon

What is happening in Lebanon? 

The Israeli military and Hezbollah have exchanged airstrikes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. On September 23, the Israeli military launched a significant number of airstrikes throughout southern Lebanon, Beqaa Valley, and the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh after a week of escalation that started with a two-day wireless device explosion attack in Lebanon and a significant increase in airstrikes from both parties. 

September 23 was the deadliest day of violence in Lebanon since 2006, with nearly 500 people killed, including women, children, and humanitarian workers. 

Even before the last week of intense conflict, more than 110,000 people had already been displaced from southern Lebanon and 200,000 people were estimated to need humanitarian aid. The recent violence has displaced tens of thousands of additional people, and public schools have opened their doors to offer shelter for displaced families.  

There will be an increase in the scale and the urgency of health and humanitarian needs as civilians continue to be impacted by the traumas of violence, forced displacement, disrupted access to health care, food insecurity, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation. 

What is Project HOPE’s response? 

Project HOPE’s team in Lebanon has been monitoring the situation and coordinating with key local actors since conflict erupted in the region on October 7, 2023. Following the recent increase in conflict inside Lebanon, our team has conducted field assessments to assess the immediate, urgent needs on the ground and identify the best avenues to support IDPs.  

On September 24, Project HOPE’s team, in collaboration with MedGlobal, conducted a field assessment in four areas across Lebanon (Jnah, Mar Elias, Al Basta, and Verdun), covering 16 public schools. The approximate number of IDPs in these schools is over 13,000, including men, women, and children. As the conflict intensifies and continues, we expect more to seek shelter in these schools. 

The immediate needs that the shelter coordinators expressed include: 

Water  Non-food items (personal hygiene items, household and cleaning supplies, and dignity items)  Infant formula  Diapers  Pillows  Mattresses  Blankets  Medications for people with chronic diseases 

Project HOPE is working in the immediate-term to procure hygiene kits and other essential non-food items to meet what we expect to be a growing demand for these vital supplies. 

Project HOPE is also working closely with the Ministry of Public Health to provide medications and emergency trauma supplies to health workers, who are working around the clock to treat thousands of injuries and save lives. As the health system was nearing a breaking point even before the latest violence, Project HOPE is also working on securing essential medications and other medical supplies to support the overall health system and ensure access to care for people with injuries and people with chronic conditions. 

What are the greatest health needs in Lebanon? 

Lebanon’s health system was at its breaking point even before the latest escalation of violence, including severe shortages of staff, medicines, and equipment. Last week’s wireless device explosion attacks further inundated health workers and put stress on the system’s existing resources.  

Mental health needs are intensifying for communities who were already struggling under the constant threat of conflict and displacement. People exposed to trauma need mental health support and psychosocial services; displaced families need stability, safety, and health care; and the local health system needs support to ensure it does not collapse. 

Photo: Firas Atani for Project HOPE, 2020 What is Project HOPE’s history in Lebanon? 

In 2020, immediately following the Port of Beirut explosion, Project HOPE launched a response to provide trauma care and psychosocial support through our local partner, Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF). Project HOPE supported local health workers by procuring and distributing medicines, medical supplies, and hygiene supplies.