The Gaza conflict is having an impact on Lebanon
The conflict in the Gaza Strip is causing immeasurable suffering for the civilian population. Also, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is worsening due to the increasing violence of various actors. Caritas Switzerland is currently able to continue its ongoing projects in Lebanon with minor restrictions. At the same time, staff on the ground are clarifying possible further support for the civilian population.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is increasingly spreading to Lebanon. To date, the mutual military attacks have led to numerous deaths and considerable material damage to the water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructures, particularly in southern Lebanon. Almost 100,000 people have been internally displaced to central and northern regions. In recent days, various states have called for the evacuation of their compatriots from Lebanon. The threat of a regional escalation of the conflict would have far-reaching consequences for the Lebanese population.
«Caritas Switzerland is keeping resources available for humanitarian aid.»Wael Darwishländerdirektor
Caritas Switzerland's ongoing projects in Lebanon are currently continuing with minor restrictions. However, the security situation is unclear, and the situation can change daily, so project activities must be constantly adapted. Our team on the ground is clarifying possible further support for the civilian population. Staff are closely monitoring and analysing the situation on the ground so that they can quickly alleviate people's suffering in the event of further escalation.
Wael Darwish, as Country Director you know the situation on the ground inside out. How are you currently experiencing the situation of the civilian population?
The civilian population in Lebanon has been severely affected by the ongoing hostilities. Since the escalation of violence in October 2023, almost 100'000 people have been displaced from their homes and over 100 civilians have been killed. Many of the internally displaced people are dependent on economic support. They urgently need housing and food. The tense situation and ongoing insecurity are also putting a psychological strain on people.
The violent conflict comes at a time when the Lebanese population is still struggling with the effects of the financial and economic collapse of 2019, with a steady deterioration in social stability and additional shocks, such as the explosion in Beirut harbour in 2020. All these factors mean that the mood in the country is very depressing.
What steps are Caritas Switzerland taking in the knowledge that the situation in the region is so volatile?
Caritas Switzerland opened its office in Beirut in 2016. Since then, with the support of the Swiss population and our partner organisations, we have responded to various emergency situations, including the explosion in Beirut and the earthquake in Syria. We are in constant contact with our local partner organisations, in order to be prepared in the event of an escalation. We are identifying potential needs, coordinating possible measures with other actors on the ground and are already in talks with donors. At the same time, our ongoing projects are being continued and constantly adapted.
What tangible help could Caritas Switzerland provide in the event of an escalation, and how?
Thanks to our many years of cooperation with our partner organisations, we cover a wide-reaching operational area in the country and have the ability to react quickly. Caritas Switzerland is also one of the leading players in the matter of cash assistance in the region. The existing structures enable us to provide immediate cash assistance to displaced and conflict-affected households in emergency situations. This means that the affected people, quickly receive financial resources to fulfil their most urgent basic needs. Should the markets start to falter, Caritas Switzerland would be able to fall back on distributing benefits in kind.
In concrete terms, how is the current insecurity affecting our projects and the civilian population?
Lebanon is experiencing its worst socio-economic crisis in decades. The majority of the population was already facing a difficult economic situation even before the current state of affairs. The UNHCR estimates that half of the Lebanese population is living below the poverty line. People who have fled from Syria to Lebanon in recent years also face major challenges. 90 per cent of them need humanitarian aid to cover their basic needs.
In particular, internally displaced persons from southern Lebanon, and the regions hosting these people are confronted with poverty and severe restrictions on access to food, healthcare, education and other basic services. Rising prices and more expensive rents are exacerbating the situation. Due to the ongoing conflicts, instability and insecurity, there is unfortunately no relief in sight.
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Header image: Lebanon, 2022 © Ghislaine Heger