Key facts
- UN doubles Lebanon aid appeal to $639.9 million.
- Additional $331.5 million sought to aid 1.4 million people.
The United Nations is doubling its aid appeal for Lebanon to $639.9 million to address escalating humanitarian needs driven by the ongoing regional conflict. The additional $331.5 million sought will aid 1.4 million people facing an appalling situation due to hostilities.
The United Nations is significantly increasing its humanitarian aid appeal for Lebanon, aiming to secure an additional $331.5 million. This brings the total appeal to $639.9 million, intended to support 1.4 million individuals. The decision to double the funding request stems from a surge in humanitarian needs, exacerbated by the ongoing regional conflict which has now entered its fourth month. Lebanon was drawn into the wider regional war in early March when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia fired rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran, prompting a major Israeli air and ground campaign. Since March 2, more than 3,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel states 26 of its soldiers and four civilians have been killed in Hezbollah attacks since March. The UN will launch this fresh appeal in collaboration with the Lebanese government. As of May 31, the UN had received $185.9 million of its previous appeal. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza stated that communities across Lebanon have faced an appalling situation due to the escalation of hostilities, pointing to high casualties, widespread displacement, and extensive damage to infrastructure.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is creating a severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, requiring a significant increase in international aid to support a large population facing displacement and infrastructure damage.