Lebanon: Civilians Pay the Highest Price
Even if the ceasefires between Iran, US and Israel still officially holds, fighting continues in Lebanon — and innocent civilians are once again bearing the weight of suffering, fear and displacement.
Eight Million NOK for Emergency Aid in Lebanon
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has prompted Norwegian Church Aid to release eight million kroner for emergency response. Nearly 90,000 people are now living in temporary displacement camps.
Our colleague Sara is assessing a shelter in Beirut.
“When our country office is ready to respond, we need to act quickly,” says Linda Nordby, Head of the Humanitarian Section at Norwegian Church Aid.
In the early hours of 2 March, attacks began between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. A series of airstrikes and drone strikes have forced thousands of people to flee. Southern Lebanon has now also been invaded by ground forces. So far, nearly 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon.
Although the airstrikes and drone attacks have mainly been concentrated in South Lebanon, Nabatieh, Bekaa and Baalbek Hermel, as well as parts of Mount Lebanon (particularly the southern suburbs), the consequences are nationwide.
More than 125 communities and villages south of the Litani River have been ordered to evacuate, leading to widespread displacement across the country. Internally displaced people are now spread throughout Lebanon, with nearly 90,000 seeking shelter in 399 improvised displacement camps, with host families, or through other temporary solutions.
“There are major and complex needs when so many people are fleeing and have to live together in small spaces,” Nordby adds.
Depending on the type of shelter, there is an enormous need for food. Most shelters are public schools that have suspended classes in order to house internally displaced people. The needs are diverse—ranging from food and water to mattresses, pillows, bedding, and cleaning kits.
Shelters are also in urgent need of fuel for heating, generators, and for pumping water to toilets.
Women and girls living in the improvised camps are highly vulnerable to gender‑based violence. Awareness‑raising and protective response initiatives are therefore a priority.
Access to drinking water as well as water for sanitation has been identified as a top priority in the collective shelters. Cleaning kits, family hygiene kits, and dignity kits are in high demand.
“The security situation is also extremely challenging,” Nordby continues.
Tensions in the host communities are very high, and many residents hesitate to take in displaced people due to fear of potential attacks. The shelters cannot cope with the sheer number of people fleeing, and no areas are considered safe.
Håvard Hovdhaugen, Country Director for Syria and Lebanon, says they are now prepared to provide emergency assistance throughout 2026 thanks to the eight million kroner that has now been released.
“We are on the ground in Lebanon, visiting temporary reception centers for internally displaced people, coordinating with authorities and our local partners to identify how we can help the most people in the most effective way. As soon as possible, we will begin procurement and distribution to those most in need,” he says.
Hovdhaugen further explains that Norwegian Church Aid will respond in three main ways to ensure emergency support reaches those who need it most.
How Norwegian Church Aid Will Respond to the Crisis in Lebanon
Distribution of hygiene kits and hygiene awareness:
Family hygiene kits, cleaning kits for shelters, dignity kits, and incontinence kits for people with disabilities and older people.
Access to water and sanitation:
Water trucking to collective shelters, drinking water for internally displaced people, additional water storage, and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities in collective shelters and public schools.
Rehabilitation and support for institutions delivering basic health and education services, with special focus on women, children, older people, and people with disabilities.
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