Lebanon crisis: Needs soar as UN launches new funding appeal

Lebanon Crisis: Humanitarian Demands Mount as UN Issues Fresh Funding Request

Lebanon crisis - Three months into the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, the United Nations has issued a new funding appeal, seeking an additional $331.5 million to support 1.4 million individuals facing dire conditions in Lebanon. The escalating violence has intensified the strain on resources, with needs growing rapidly despite initial efforts to address the crisis.

Impact of Persistent Conflict

Imran Riza, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, emphasized the worsening situation during a press briefing in Beirut. He noted that the conflict has not only caused physical destruction but also deepened psychological distress, with communities enduring repeated evacuations and uncertainty about their future.

"Humanitarian needs are soaring with each day of the conflict; our work is unfortunately far from over…we need the funding," said Riza.

Despite a ceasefire declared on Wednesday, the violence continues to disrupt daily life. Riza highlighted the devastation wrought by airstrikes, drone strikes, and artillery attacks, describing the damage to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, clinics, and schools.

Escalating Displacement and Strain on Services

According to UN figures, over 3,500 people have been killed and more than 10,000 injured since the latest outbreak of hostilities. Nearly one million residents have been displaced from their homes, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Riza stressed that providing aid under these circumstances is exceptionally challenging, requiring immediate and expanded support for vulnerable populations.

"Health workers and first responders are facing death and injury on a horrific scale," Riza added.

The situation has also led to prolonged displacement, with approximately 28,000 people remaining in areas beyond Israel’s declared military zone. This number is expected to rise significantly, surpassing 200,000 as the conflict’s effects linger.

Women and Girls at Risk

Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), warned of heightened risks for women and girls in the midst of the crisis. Overcrowded shelters lack privacy and basic hygiene, increasing exposure to gender-based violence. Saberton noted that more than 600,000 women and girls are vulnerable to such attacks.

"Overcrowded shelters lack privacy, adequate sanitation and basic protection measures," Saberton warned.

Additionally, the conflict has disrupted maternal healthcare services. With 1,800 women giving birth each month, access to safe medical care has become increasingly difficult as healthcare facilities suffer damage and closures.

"And yet healthcare facilities continue to come under attack, hospitals and primary healthcare centres have been forced to close and women are finding it increasingly difficult to access essential maternal health services," Saberton explained.

Enduring Consequences of Displacement

Riza underscored the long-term trauma faced by families caught in the crossfire, citing challenges like insufficient shelter and the lingering fear of returning home. He noted that one UNFPA-supported clinic in southern Lebanon, which had been rebuilt in 2025, was recently damaged by airstrikes, highlighting the precarious state of essential services.