A fragile ceasefire agreed in mid‑April has brought only limited respite for civilians in Lebanon, where the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate following weeks of intense hostilities.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 2,521 people have been killed and over 7,800 injured since early March, while up to 1.2 million people were displaced at the peak of the fighting. Although some families have begun returning home since the ceasefire was announced, displacement remains high, with over one million people still unable to return safely due to ongoing insecurity, damaged infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
Caritas Lebanon and Caritas Middle East and North Africa have reported “the situation remains deeply fragile, as previous ceasefire agreements have been undermined by continued hostilities and Israeli bombardments in South Lebanon. Essential services are under severe strain, food insecurity and poverty have reached unprecedented levels.”
Access to healthcare has emerged as a critical concern. As of late April, six hospitals have closed and 15 others have been damaged, alongside the closure of 46 primary healthcare centres due to damage, severely limiting access to urgent medical care.
In response, Caritas Lebanon continues to deliver life‑saving assistance in some of the hardest‑to‑reach areas, working in coordination with relevant government and UN agencies. Since the escalation, Caritas has organised seven humanitarian convoys to isolated southern villages, delivering food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel.
As part of this response, Caritas Lebanon has inaugurated a new Urgent Care Unit in Ain Ebel, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and Ain Ebel Hospital. The facility provides round‑the‑clock primary healthcare, including emergency wound care, burn management, respiratory treatment, hydration services and infection control, ensuring a sustained medical presence for vulnerable communities in southern Lebanon.
Despite these efforts, humanitarian organisations warn that needs continue to outpace available resources amid funding constraints and ongoing insecurity. Political leaders have urged civilians to remain cautious and delay returning home, as the risk of renewed violence remains high.
Caritas Australia joins Caritas Lebanon and its partners in continuing to call for a respected and sustained ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
Dan Skehan Programs Director at Caritas Australia said, “The conflict and displacement in Lebanon is unfolding against a backdrop of years of economic collapse, with poverty rates having tripled over the past decade. When families are forced to flee in these conditions, the burden falls heaviest on those most vulnerable, people who are sick or have limited mobility, and families caring for young children or elderly relatives. These are the people Caritas is called to support, those who are suffering and who deserve care, dignity and hope.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Lebanon Crisis Appeal, click the button below or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
