Lebanon: Families flee Beirut as Israel threatens renewed strikes on Hezbollah

Lebanon: Displacement Crisis Intensifies Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

Lebanon’s conflict has intensified even as a recent ceasefire extension was announced, prompting the United Nations to intensify its call for peace and continue aiding displaced civilians through food distribution, shelter support, and safety measures. Despite the pause in hostilities, the humanitarian situation remains precarious, with thousands of families abandoning their homes in the capital, Beirut, as Israeli forces prepare to launch new strikes against Hezbollah targets in the southern suburbs.

Families in Flight

On Monday, a surge of evacuations occurred as residents of Beirut’s southern districts rushed to safety, prompted by Israel’s announcement of potential attacks on Hezbollah positions. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported that people were leaving via vehicles, bicycles, and on foot, carrying essential supplies. “The exodus is widespread,” a UNHCR spokesperson noted in a social media update. Many individuals returned to temporary shelters, where fears of further violence are growing, and uncertainty is casting a long shadow over daily life.

“Families are leaving by car, motorcycle, and on foot, carrying essentials,” the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, tweeted. Many others are returning to shelters and “fear and uncertainty are mounting.”

UN’s Call for Restraint

The United Nations reiterated its stance that civilian populations and infrastructure must be protected from attacks. “We urge all parties to uphold the ceasefire and prevent further escalation,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated during a press briefing in New York. He highlighted the importance of a diplomatic resolution to break the cycle of violence, emphasizing the dire consequences of continued hostilities.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session on Monday afternoon to address the escalating crisis. Delegates expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions in Lebanon, with reports indicating that the conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and disrupted critical aid operations. The session aimed to coordinate international efforts to stabilize the region and safeguard vulnerable communities.

Broader Regional Tensions

The current crisis is part of a larger regional instability that began on March 2, following the US-led bombing campaign against Iran. Hezbollah, a powerful armed group in Lebanon, responded by launching attacks on Israeli territory, marking the start of a protracted conflict. Over the past three months, the war has claimed 3,412 lives and injured more than 10,000 individuals, according to data released by the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), which cited Lebanese health authorities. Notably, at least 88 people were reportedly killed in the past weekend alone.

Healthcare systems have also suffered significant setbacks. The World Health Organization (WHO) documented five attacks in the last three days, resulting in one fatality and 19 injuries among medical personnel. These strikes have not only targeted facilities but also disrupted the delivery of essential services, exacerbating the already dire conditions for civilians.

Fragmented Ceasefire Agreements

The ceasefire brokered by the United States took effect on April 17 but has never been fully respected by either side. It was extended twice, most recently on May 16, for a 45-day period. Despite these efforts, the fighting has continued, with both Israel and Hezbollah refusing to fully commit to the terms. “The cycle of violence persists,” UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine-Hennis Plasschaert stated, noting that the current situation is a test of political will.

“Escalation has its own logic” and “attempting to contain or manage it is a high-stakes gamble, with costs borne by people who have already lost too much,” Plasschaert added. She described southern Lebanon as “in flames” and Beirut’s roads as “choked with people fleeing their homes.”

Humanitarian Impact

Amid the chaos, UN agencies like UNHCR have been working tirelessly to support Lebanon’s government-led emergency response. Collaborating with local partners, they have provided critical assistance to hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals, including cash support, shelter, and protection services. However, the WFP warned that the situation has reached a tipping point, with the country facing a deepening humanitarian emergency.

The World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted that over a million civilians have been forced from their homes, while food security experts reported that 1.24 million people nationwide—nearly a quarter of the population—are experiencing acute food shortages. “The conflict’s relentless pace is challenging humanitarian access and deepening displacement,” the WFP explained, stressing the urgent need for sustained aid delivery and predictable funding.

Although food supplies are still available in some areas, prices have soared due to the war’s economic strain. For instance, vegetable costs have risen by 20%, and bread prices are now 15% higher than pre-conflict levels. Markets in Beirut and surrounding regions are operational but under increasing pressure, while more than 80% of markets in southern Lebanon and Nabatieh are no longer functioning. A recent shipment of 250 metric tonnes of wheat flour entered the country through Jordan, supporting approximately 10,000 at-risk households.

Challenges Ahead

As the conflict enters its third month, the humanitarian toll continues to mount. The WFP warned that the combination of displacement and food insecurity is creating a “critical humanitarian emergency,” with aid efforts struggling to keep pace. “Daily bombardments and evacuation orders are forcing people into overcrowded shelters, compounding their suffering,” the agency noted. This situation has also hindered the distribution of essential supplies to hard-to-reach areas, leaving many without adequate resources.

Meanwhile, the UN remains focused on de-escalation, urging both sides to honor their commitments under the ceasefire. Plasschaert emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures to restore stability, stating that “the stakes are high” for those already bearing the brunt of the conflict. As the crisis unfolds, international attention is crucial to ensure that aid reaches those in need and that violence is contained before it spirals further.