"Five days into the most violent and wide-reaching attacks Lebanon has experienced in almost two decades, we have now reached what we have been warning against and fearing: a humanitarian catastrophe," Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR representative in Lebanon, told a press briefing on September 27 in Geneva.

At least 1,540 people killed since October 2023

"While we have been preparing for this scenario for 11 months, the implementation of aid programs is hindered by a lack of funding. We repeat our call to donors to urgently ramp up funding for humanitarian relief efforts in Lebanon," he continued, saying that the "sheer human toll is staggering, with at least 1,540 killed in the country since the start of the hostilities in October 2023, including over 100 Syrians.

In just one day, during the first of Israel's large-scale airstrikes on 23 September, more than 500 were killed."

The UNHCR family has not been spared, he said: "We have lost two devoted and beloved colleagues, and one of their sons. The protection of civilians is a must, and we repeat calls for urgent de-escalation, and call on all parties to protect civilians, including aid workers, in line with international humanitarian law."

Since October 2023, over 211,000 people have been displaced, including over 118,000 this week alone, the UNHCR official noted. "The relentless airstrikes have pushed tens of thousands from the South, southern suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa to safer locations in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the North. Movements peaked on both Monday and Tuesday, creating congestion and chaos. They have continued more gradually as many people are still looking for homes and shelters," he noted.

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About 1.5 million Syrian refugees and over 11,000 other nationals in Lebanon

Freijsen highlighted Lebanon's precarious situation, noting that the ongoing socio-economic crisis is far worse than during the July 2006 war when many fled to Syria and Europe. Despite a significant aid presence, existing resources are stretched thin, making it difficult to address new needs, especially with potential logistical challenges like airport closures.

He added that UNHCR's response continues to focus on all affected communities, including Lebanese and refugees. The main needs include safe shelters, core relief items, health care, cash assistance, and protection services.

"Since October 2023, UNHCR has provided over 140,000 core relief items, and cash assistance for over 68,560 displaced people, while supporting collective shelters and ensuring access to health care and psychosocial support. The majority of the displaced remains inside Lebanon, which is continuing to host about 1.5 million Syrian refugees and over 11,000 refugees of other nationalities.

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However, some Syrians are being denied access to these shelters, he stated. UNHCR calls on all actors to uphold humanitarian principles and ensure equal access to assistance.

"Newly displaced Syrians and Lebanese in several regions tell us that they have had to sleep in the open. UNHCR and partners are working with the relevant authorities on finding urgent solutions to this issue.

Freijsen urged donors to continue their support, emphasizing the need for the international community to provide substantial aid to prevent worsening conditions. He concluded that while the humanitarian community strives to respond, an urgent political solution remains critical.

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