Beirut, 5 March 2026 – In recent hours, evacuation orders have been issued in Beirut affecting entire neighborhoods in the southern suburbs. Not individual buildings or infrastructure, but entire areas of the city. ARCS staff has left its offices and relocated as a precaution. The situation on the ground is worsening hour by hour, creating confusion and uncertainty.

This is the first time since the beginning of the war in 2024 that such a large-scale evacuation order has been issued. On the streets of Beirut and on the main access roads to the city, massive traffic jams have formed, while around 700,000 residents of the southern suburbs are trying to leave in haste. Widespread panic among people trying to take with them everything they can save: private cars packed with families, ambulances, and trucks are all stuck in the same congestion.

In recent days, the Israeli army has ordered the evacuation of numerous neighborhoods and towns south of the Litani River, accompanied by air raids and heavy artillery fire. Among the affected locations are Shaqra (Bint Jbeil), Qaaqa’ait al-Jisr, Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh district), Siddiqine (Sour), Khiam (Marjayoun), and Housh (Sour).

“In southern Lebanon, the situation now represents large-scale forced displacement. It is essential that the international community intervenes immediately to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent an escalation of violence. All diplomatic and humanitarian measures that can support a ceasefire and peace in the region must be backed. The protection of the most vulnerable people must be the absolute priority,” says Virginia Sarotto, ARCS coordinator in Lebanon.

Despite the difficulties, we continue to support displaced and vulnerable people through our fundraising campaign and the work of local partners, such as the Tiro Association for Arts (TAA). The theatres it manages have been converted into shelters, offering protection and essential goods to those who have lost their homes.

We invite anyone who wishes to contribute to this humanitarian emergency to support our work with a donation.

Even in the most critical moments, your help makes a difference.

Press office
Francesco Verdolino
francesco.verdolino@hotmail.it
+39 339 812 9813