WFP Lebanon Emergency Response: External Situation Report 14 - 16 January 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
• As the ceasefire violations persist and the needs remain high, it is vital to ensure timely assistance for the vulnerable people returning to their destroyed villages and those still displaced. WFP requires US$ 84 million until March 2025 to continue critical emergency assistance to the affected population.
• The fifth IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis in Lebanon revealed a significant increase in food insecurity following the escalation of the conflict in September 2024. Projections for December 2024 to March 2025 indicate that 1.65 million people (30 percent) will face similarly high levels of food insecurity.
• Following the ceasefire, WFP, in collaboration with the Government of Lebanon and partners, reached 472,000 people affected by the conflict. This includes 414,500 Lebanese and 57,500 newly displaced Syrians assisted with food and/or cash.
SITUATION UPDATE
• Despite the ceasefire announced between Israel and Hezbollah in November, violations of the ceasefire continue to be reported. Amid these challenges, Lebanon achieved a significant breakthrough during the past week as the Lebanese parliament elected a President after two years of vacuum and appointed a Prime Minister, a fundamental step towards reforms and political stability.
• According to IOM, 871,900 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) have returned to their communities - almost one-third of whom returned to Nabatiyeh District in South Lebanon. However, 113,600 remain displaced, including 3,833 (3 percent) residing in 41 collective shelters.
• Since 7 December, thousands of Syrians have reportedly returned from Lebanon to Homs, Hama, and Idleb in Syria, residing in tents near their heavily damaged homes. As per UNHCR, 70,000 Syrians and 20,000 Lebanese fled Syria to Lebanon, between 27 November and 26 December, including 39,000 Syrians sheltering in 175 sites in HermelBaalbek. Uncertainties surrounding data of refugee cross-border movements continue to pose difficulties for assistance planning. To address this, WFP is expediting beneficiary validation for Syrian refugees in coordination with UNHCR.
• The fifth IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis in Lebanon revealed a significant increase in food insecurity following the escalation of the conflict in September 2024. Between October and November 2024, 1.59 million people (29 percent) faced acute food insecurity, a 6 percent increase from the projected acute food insecurity levels for September 2024 (1.26 million people, 23 percent). Further increase of 1 percent is projected by March 2025. The projected deterioration is mainly driven by severely impacted economic activity by the conflict, inflation, and reduced humanitarian assistance affecting Lebanese and refugees.