The escalation of hostilities in Lebanon since 2 March has resulted in widespread civilian harm, destruction of critical infrastructure and significant constraints on humanitarian operations. Over 2,100 people have been killed and over 6,900 injured, and more than 1.2 million – one fifth of the estimated total population – are internally displaced, including over 390,000 children. Repeated Israeli strikes in populated areas, damage to essential civilian infrastructure and attacks affecting healthcare services have compounded an already fragile humanitarian situation. At the same time humanitarian actors and medical personnel face increasing barriers to delivering life-saving assistance safely and at scale.
These patterns raise serious concerns regarding compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. Likewise, IHL affords special protection to medical and humanitarian personnel and infrastructure, yet the conflict has been marked by a concerning number of attacks affecting healthcare and growing restrictions on humanitarian access.
This paper, issued jointly by international, national and local NGOs from the Lebanon Humanitarian INGO Forum (LHIF) and Lebanon Humanitarian and Development NGOs Forum (LHDF), draws on evidence and experience from our operations in the field. We call for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to IHL by all parties to the conflict, as well as urgent, sustained and flexible funding from the international community to support the growing needs of displaced persons and those remaining in vulnerable areas.
Notes to editors
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Officer
Melissa Nethersole, CAFOD Media Officer
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
CAFOD is funded mainly by voluntary donations from people in the Catholic community of England and Wales. We also receive funding from fellow Catholic charities and development agencies, the DEC, trusts and foundations, and the UK and other governments.
The Lebanon Humanitarian INGO Forum (LHIF) is an informal and independent coordinating body comprising 74 international NGOs (INGOs) - including CAFOD - that are working to address the needs of vulnerable individuals, families and communities throughout Lebanon.
The Lebanon Humanitarian and Development NGOs Forum (LHDF) is an independent network of over 90 local and national NGOs (LNGOs) working across Lebanon to respond to humanitarian needs, advance development and strengthen community resilience.
