Press release
Tens of thousands displaced in Lebanon: We are amongst the first responders
Since overnight from Sunday 1st March to Monday 2nd March, bombs are once again raining on Lebanon, triggering a mass displacement crisis. Première Urgence Internationale urges all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and cease hostilities immediately.
As a regional war opposing Iran to the United States and Israel spirals out of control, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern and eastern Lebanon have already displaced more than 35,000 people within the country, although actual figures are likely to be much higher.
Our teams have been working around the clock over the last 48 hours, after Israel issued evacuation orders in more than 50 villages and several neighbourhoods of southern Beirut.
Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes, taking refuge in collective shelters or being taken in by family. But as collective shelters are not made to accommodate such large numbers, displaced persons are living in poor conditions. These spaces are not equipped with adequate sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of disease spreading.
For civilians, this feels like déjà vu. In the autumn of 2024, a deadly escalation between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon left more than a million people displaced.
With the crisis reignited, mass displacements are further disrupting access to healthcare and basic services (water, education, electricity, food), which were already under tremendous strain. Lebanon hosts the fourth largest refugee population in the world.
Première Urgence Internationale implores all parties to the conflict to respect international law and not to hinder humanitarian access. NGOs must be able to reach civilians affected by the conflict, wherever they are.
Spokespersons
- Kevin Charbel, Country Director in Lebanon, is on the ground in Beirut and available to speak with journalists.
- Elsa Softic, Deputy Director of Operations, can give interviews in Paris.
Press contact: Juliette Maigné ([email protected]) at +33 7 83 42 57 19.
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