Lebanon: Flash Update #55 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 16 January 2025

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 871,859 people displaced within Lebanon reported back in their cadasters of origin as of 15 January (IOM).
  • 113,578 people remain displaced outside their cadasters of origin, a 2 per cent decrease since 8 January (IOM).
  • National and local authorities estimate some 87,000 people arrived from Syria, both Lebanese and Syrian, since 8 December (UNHCR).

SITUATION OVERVIEW

While Lebanon made significant political strides with the election of a new president on 9 January, ending more than two years of presidential vacancy, and the designation of a new prime minister, humanitarian needs and response challenges remain extensive. Humanitarians continue to face significant obstacles in accessing areas where Israeli warnings remain in effect for over 60 villages and towns in southern Lebanon. While a modest number of people are beginning to return to these areas, many villages near the border remain deserted due to ongoing insecurity. Military activity continues despite the cessation of hostilities, with reports of Israeli forces withdrawing from parts of the southern border area. However, the demolition of homes by Israeli forces persists, particularly in Bint Jbeil and Marjaayoun districts in Nabatieh Governorate. The ongoing insecurity, including Israeli strikes, has resulted in many casualties in South, Nabatieh and Baalbeck governorates during the week of 10-16 January. Amidst the cessation of hostilities, Civil Defense teams are recovering bodies in areas like Khiam, Alma Shaab, Naqoura, Bayada, and Tayr Harfa, regions that had been inaccessible at the height of hostilities.

Humanitarian partners report that living conditions continue to be extremely challenging for all affected populations, with urgent humanitarian needs persisting across multiple groups. This includes those who have returned to their cadaster of origin, individuals still displaced both in and outside of collective shelters, as well as host families and those who have remained in their homes. Key needs include basic assistance, shelter, food, water storage solutions, solar lamps, and winterization support. Both authorities and affected populations have expressed a strong preference for cash-based assistance, where feasible, to meet these needs more effectively. In addition to these immediate requirements, there has been an increasing demand for hospitalization and more complex medical services. This includes a rising need for mental health and psychosocial support (MPHSS) services, as well as specialized services for people with disabilities (PwDs), including physiotherapy and the provision of assistive devices.

From 8 October 2023 to 11 January 2025, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) reported 21,268 casualties, including 17,105 injuries and 4,163 deaths. Of these casualties, 91 per cent were Lebanese, 4 per cent were Palestinian and Syrian refugees, and 5 per cent were unspecified. The casualties comprised 81 per cent males and 19 per cent females; 9 per cent were under 18 years old, 88 per cent were between 19-65 years old, and 4 per cent were over 65 years old. The highest death toll was recorded in October 2024 with 1,352 deaths, followed by September 2024 with 1,063 deaths, and November 2024 with 1,002 deaths. The South and Nabatieh Governorates experienced the highest number of casualties. At least 29 civilians have reportedly been killed since the cessation of hostilities by Israeli attacks, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix data provides valuable insights into the movement patterns of displaced populations during the ongoing phase of a fragile cessation of hostilities. Some 113,578 people have been identified as remaining internally displaced primarily in Saida, Nabatieh, Beirut, Tyre and Aley districts. This represents a 2 per cent drop since 9 January, as a total of 871,859 internally displaced people (IDPs) are estimated to be back in the cadasters from which they were initially displaced. Several collective shelters are being decommissioned due to the mass return movements.

Currently 3,833 IDPs remain in 41 collective sites. Of the 871,895 IDPs reported to have returned, the largest proportion continues to be in Nabatieh Governorate, particularly Nabatieh District, which hosts 259,066 individuals, accounting for 30 per cent of the total, with Tyre District in the South Governorate coming in second with 169,323 IDP returns (19 per cent).

Population movements between Syria and Lebanon continue to be fluid with figures from 7 January as the latest reported (UNHCR). According to Lebanese authorities, approximately 87,000 people have arrived from Syria in Baalbek Governorate, including 20,000 Lebanese. Movements continue daily at a low rate, mainly through the Masnaa border crossing. Since 8 December, UNHCR has been monitoring refugee concerns about return. Most Syrian refugees are interested in temporarily visiting Syria to assess the situation, with some considering a phased return, where some family members return first and prepare for the rest of the family to join.

Publisher: 
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
آخر تاريخ التحديث: 
20/01/2025 - 3:32م
تاريخ النشر: 
الخميس, 16 يناير 2025
قطاع(ات) التدخل: 
التعليم, الغذاء والتغذية, الصحة, حقوق الإنسان والحماية, الألغام / والذخائر غير المتفجرة, السلامة والأمن, المأوى والمواد غير الغذائية, نظافة المياه والصرف الصحي
النطاق الجغرافي: 
Regional
الدول: 
Afghanistan
Lebanon
Syria
randomness