September 23, 2024, marked the deadliest day in Lebanon in years, with 300 simultaneous airstrikes on multiple sites in a single day, killing nearly 500 people and injuring at least 1,500. As rescue efforts continue, these numbers are expected to rise significantly. In addition to the growing number of civilian casualties, thousands of families are being forced to flee their homes.
As the violence intensifies dramatically, CARE is calling for an immediate de-escalation and is launching a humanitarian response to assist displaced populations.More than 100,000 people were displaced between October 2023 and September 2024 (1), and this number is expected to increase significantly following mass displacement orders issued by Israel against residents of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa.
“People are living in fear, at a time when the country is already going through a massive economic crisis and is still suffering from the consequences of the Beirut port explosion four years ago.” said Michael Adams, CARE Lebanon Country Director.
Since October 2023, CARE International in Lebanon has been distributing food baskets and ready-to-eat meals to displaced families, with the support of eight strategic partners, including local civil society and UN agencies. CARE Lebanon will ramp up its efforts on the ground to continue providing food, water, and non-food items such as pillows, mattresses, and blankets to displaced populations. CARE is also continuing to work with Lebanese women’s rights organizations to protect people fleeing the increased risks of gender-based violence, exploitation, and sexual abuse. This includes distributing essential hygiene kits to those who have fled their homes with nothing.
Source :(1) OCHA, august 2024