Crisis in Lebanon: What You Need to Know
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.
More than 2,100 people have been killed, over 10,200 are injured and an estimated 1.2 million 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 distributing health and hygiene supplies to displaced families 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
>1 in 5
people displaced
As many as 1.2 million people are estimated to have been forcibly displaced by the conflict, out of a total population of 5.5 million people.
>10,200
injured by the conflict
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, at least 10,000 people have been injured by the conflict so far.
>2,100
killed by the conflict
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, more than 2,000 people have been killed since October 8, 2023.
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, 2024, the Israeli military launched airstrikes throughout southern Lebanon, the 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.
On September 29, the Israeli military initiated a ground offensive into southern Lebanon, supported by continuous naval and air strikes. The operation marked a significant escalation in hostilities between Israeli forces and armed groups in the region and is likely to cause further displacement and an intensification of humanitarian needs.
Around 800 shelters—primarily public schools—have been designated by the Lebanese government to receive IDPs in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates. In response to the displacement crisis, the Ministry of Education has postponed the school year until the second week of October, with potential plans to shift to online learning and virtual classes to ensure continuity.
The scale and urgency of health and humanitarian needs are expected to rise as civilians continue to endure the traumas of violence, forced displacement, disrupted access to health care, food insecurity, and inconsistent access to clean water and sanitation. Notably, Lebanon’s health system was already on the verge of collapse before the recent escalation of violence while suffering from severe shortages in staff, medicines, and essential equipment.
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.
In light of the recent escalation of violence within the country, field assessments have revealed an increasing need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), particularly among children. Many children are experiencing multiple traumas, including the terror of being under attack, displacement from their homes, disruption of their education, and the breakdown of their daily lives. In addition to MHPSS services, there is an urgent need for:
The immediate needs that the shelter coordinators expressed include:
- Water
- Non-food items (personal hygiene items, dignity items, household items, and cleaning supplies)
- Diapers
- Bedding kits, including blankets, mattresses, and pillows
- Medications for individuals with chronic illnesses
In response to these urgent needs, Project HOPE has distributed 1,700 hygiene kits and other essential dignity and non-food items to IDPs in 10 schools across the Mount Lebanon area. These schools were selected in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs to ensure effective assistance was delivered to those most in need.
Project HOPE is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health to provide critical medications and emergency trauma supplies to health workers who are tirelessly treating thousands of injuries and saving lives. Given that Lebanon’s health system was already weakened prior to the recent escalation, Project HOPE is also focused on securing essential medications and medical supplies to strengthen the health system and ensure continuous care for individuals with injuries and chronic conditions.
To address the growing health needs among IDPs living in shelters, Project HOPE is establishing two mobile medical units staffed by specialized local doctors and nurses. These units, once activated, will deliver essential health services directly to displaced populations in need.
Through coordination with the MOPH and partnerships with emergency medical services, primary health clinics, and hospitals, Project HOPE is ensuring that medication distribution is well-structured and aligned with the minimum service package required for health coverage.
In the coming days, Project HOPE will conduct comprehensive health and humanitarian needs assessments in the Mount Lebanon and North governorates. We remain committed to coordinating closely with key local actors to streamline efforts, share information effectively, and avoid duplication of humanitarian responses. Project HOPE continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence in order to protect civilians and enable uninterrupted access to critical health and humanitarian aid.
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.
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.
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.
