Lebanon crisis: hundreds killed and more than one million displaced as fighting escalates

Fighting across the border between Israel and Lebanon intensifies 

 

Last updated 3 December 2024

 

Latest news

• A ceasefire agreement was signed in November 2024
• Around 2,650 people killed and 12,000 injured in Lebanon
• It is estimated that more than one million people have been displaced in recent weeks
• Lebanese Red Cross is providing round the clock support to communities across Lebanon 

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What is happening in Lebanon?

 

On 27 November 2024 a ceasefire agreement was signed by Israel and Lebanon and several mediating countries.

“We welcome the news of the ceasefire, it will bring vital respite to people who are going through unimaginable suffering," says Gabriel Karlsson, Midde East country cluster manager for the British Red Cross. "Our attention must now shift to the immense challenges faced by the hundreds of thousands of people who have had their lives turned upside down and fled their homes. Many of them will be returning to areas extensively damaged by the conflict, often with little to no access to basic services.  

“With winter upon us the harsh weather conditions only add to their hardship. The Lebanese Red Cross are on the ground prioritising the urgent humanitarian needs through first aid, food and shelter. If you can please support by donating to the Gaza Crisis Appeal where funds are used to support across the region." 

 

Since the attacks in Israel in October 2023, and the escalation of the conflict that has led to unprecedented suffering in Gaza, the intensity of fighting in Israel and Lebanon escalated. 

Lebanon has been suffering from the impacts of a dire socio-economic crisis and is still recovering from the 2020 Beirut port explosion that left an estimated 300,000 people homeless. 

In summer 2024 the situation got even worse. After a sudden increase in hostilities, more than 90,000 people fled Southern Lebanon, as people tried to escape the fighting. More than 110,000 had been displaced from the area already. 

According to Lebanon’s health minister, around 500 people were killed on 23 September, making it the deadliest day of conflict in Lebanon for nearly 20 years.

These painful events must be a call to action to prioritise the protection of civilian lives during armed conflict.

_{Gabriel KarlssonBritish Red Cross' MENA country cluster manager, Beirut}

Where is Lebanon?

Lebanon is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon's southern border is shared with Israel, while Syria borders Lebanon to the east and north. Lebanon has a population of 5.2 million according to the United Nations Populations Fund. 

How is the Lebanese Red Cross responding in Lebanon?

The Lebanese Red Cross is the lead emergency responder, and the only national ambulance service in the country. 

The Lebanese Red Cross has provided around the clock support to communities across Lebanon, and has deployed 254 ambulances and 810 emergency medical volunteers across Lebanon to support in the increasing number of casualties since 17 September.

Across the country, since October 2023, they have distributed:

• 716,705 ready meals and bread bundles
• 92,000 food parcels
• 55,384 blankets
• 35,094 mattresses
• 37,556 hygiene kits
  
  

The Lebanese Red Cross is also supporting in urban search and rescue and evacuation.

Before the recent escalation, they had already supported around 10,000 people with medical services, around 18,500 families with food parcels and 11,000 families with hygiene kits.

The Lebanese Red Cross also runs the country’s lead blood bank service, and volunteers have collected and distributed hundreds of units of blood.  

How is the British Red Cross supporting the response in Lebanon?

The British Red Cross has been working in partnership with the Lebanese Red Cross for many years. Over the past twelve months, we have directly supported the Lebanese Red Cross emergency medical services and blood transfusion services.

How can I support the Lebanese Red Cross?

The best and quickest way to help people in Lebanon is by donating to the Gaza Crisis Appeal. Donations to this appeal will go toward supporting people who need it most, including in Lebanon and Gaza.

Help people in Lebanon and the wider region who have been affected by the devastating crisis by donating to our Gaza Crisis Appeal

 

What is the situation in Israel?

Families along the frontline and beyond have been significantly impacted in Israel, with around 80,000 people displaced so far and communities facing continued uncertainty and fear. 

Magen David Adom is Israel’s national emergency service and part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It is currently on its highest level of alert, preparing to respond to the needs of those affected across Israel, as it has done since October 2023.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent response will continue across the wider region, and we will continue to work closely to support all communities affected by this crisis.

What is happening in the wider region? 

 

Since the devastating attacks in Israel in October 2023, and the escalation of conflict in Gaza and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis that has unfolded, we have seen a surge in fighting in Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Yemen.

This has led to an increase in civilian casualties and to the displacement of thousands of people. Every day, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the region continue to provide lifesaving support to those affected.

With fighting intensifying in Lebanon and Israel, we are deeply concerned by the increasing humanitarian impact and suffering, in a region where humanitarian services are already stretched. 

"These painful events must be a call to action to prioritise the protection of civilian lives during armed conflict," says Gabriel Karlsson, British Red Cross’s MENA country cluster manager based in Beirut.

"The British Red Cross will continue to support the Lebanese Red Cross, and National Societies across the wider region, as the humanitarian needs increase."

 

How is this crisis affecting Syrian refugees?

Lebanon is hosting approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees. Since the violence in Lebanon escalated, there has been an increase in the number of returnees and refugees into Syria. 
 
It is estimated that 460,000 Lebanese and Syrian nationals who had been living in Lebanon, have crossed from Lebanon to Syria. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) has been responding to the arrival of Lebanese and Syrian families returning to Syria amidst the ongoing crisis.

SARC volunteers and staff are actively providing medical care, first aid, and essential relief services, including distributing 263,000 bottles of water, 187,000 instant food items, 62,000 mattresses, and 104,000 blankets at key crossings.

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