Lebanon: $371.4 Million Appeal Launched to Strengthen Life-Saving Aid

Lebanon Extends Emergency Appeal for $371.4 Million to Address Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

An announcement made at the Grand Serail in Beirut by Lebanon’s Deputy Prime Minister Saade el-Shami and UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza has called for the extension of an emergency appeal for $371.4 million. This critical aid initiative will continue through March 2025 to address the grave humanitarian challenges Lebanon faces.

The appeal builds upon the Flash Appeal launched in October 2024, following the most severe escalation of conflict since the 2006 Lebanon War. This latest push aims to provide immediate relief to Lebanon’s most vulnerable populations, including Lebanese citizens, Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and migrant communities. It operates alongside the Lebanon Response Plan (LRP), the broader framework for humanitarian and stabilization efforts in the country.

Key Priorities

The extended appeal emphasizes urgent actions such as food assistance, winterization support, emergency repairs, and protection for civilians. Additionally, it seeks to address critical gaps in healthcare, water supply, and education infrastructure, which have been severely strained by the crisis.

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A Devastating Year of Conflict

Despite enduring numerous crises over the past 15 years, 2024 marked one of Lebanon’s darkest periods, according to UN Coordinator Imran Riza. The conflict, which erupted in October 2023 and intensified during a devastating six-week stretch from late September to early November 2024, has wreaked havoc on the country.

The toll of the violence is staggering: over 4,000 lives lost, 16,000 injured, and more than one million people displaced. The destruction of homes, critical infrastructure, and essential services has left communities in dire need of support.

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Lingering Displacement and Challenges

Although fighting has ceased, over 125,000 people remain displaced, and hundreds of thousands more who have attempted to return to their homes face immense challenges. “These individuals are grieving, struggling, and searching for a path forward,” said Mr. Riza.

Nasser Yassin, Lebanon’s Minister of Environment and Coordinator of the Government Emergency Committee, highlighted the impact on public institutions and local authorities. “While additional humanitarian assistance is vital, Lebanon’s institutions and public sector also require significant support to prevent the collapse of basic and social services,” he warned.

Yassin further stressed the importance of emergency funding for municipalities and local authorities, which play a frontline role in responding to the crisis but are overwhelmed by the heavy burden of the war.

The psychological toll of the conflict is equally devastating, particularly for children. Many are grappling with severe trauma that will require years of care and recovery.

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The Path Forward

UN Coordinator Imran Riza emphasized the need for sustained international support to help Lebanon navigate the winter months and begin its path to recovery. Both the Lebanese government and the UN have pledged to lead a coordinated, transparent, and accountable response to the crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister Saade el-Shami outlined the government’s strategy, focusing on bridging immediate humanitarian needs with long-term recovery planning. “Our aim is to work together in the most efficient and transparent way to achieve this,” he stated.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has been actively distributing food and essential aid to families returning from Syria who are facing immense hardships. Akhil Iyer, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, highlighted the organization’s collaboration with partners, including the Lebanese Red Cross, to carry out these crucial relief efforts.

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Sustaining Hope Amid Crisis

Lebanon remains at a critical juncture. Continued funding and resources are indispensable for stabilizing the situation, delivering life-saving assistance, and enabling the country to recover from one of the darkest chapters in its modern history. The international community’s commitment will determine whether Lebanon can overcome its current challenges and forge a path toward recovery and resilience.