Key facts
- UN doubles Lebanon aid appeal to $639.9 million.
- Additional $331.5 million sought to aid 1.4 million people.
- Increased humanitarian needs linked to ongoing regional conflict.
- Lebanon involved in conflict since early March.
- Over 3,500 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
- 26 Israeli soldiers and 4 civilians killed in Hezbollah attacks.
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.