For information and interviews from Beirut:
Francesco Verdolino – francesco.verdolino@hotmail.it – 3398129813

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is taking on increasingly dramatic proportions. According to the latest data from the Lebanese Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Unit, the total toll has exceeded 2,000 deaths and 6,500 injuries. The violence escalated particularly on April 8, when bombardments caused 303 deaths in just 24 hours and 1,150 injuries. The number of displaced people is now estimated at over 1.5 million internally displaced persons, including 139,673 hosted in 682 active collective shelters across the country.

Israeli bombardments in recent days have continued to strike civilian areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, further worsening an already critical situation and making a ground invasion increasingly likely.

Among the most severe incidents is the destruction of the Qasmieh bridge in Tyre, the last connection between the area south of the Litani River and the rest of the country. Its destruction has isolated large parts of southern Lebanon, making access for civilians and rescue teams even more difficult.

Alongside the violence, an increasingly deep economic and social crisis is unfolding. The disruption of supply chains has led to a 17% increase in the price of bread, one of the most essential and scarce staple foods.

The impact on younger generations is particularly severe: over 367,000 children are displaced, and 486 schools—public, private, and technical—are currently closed, having been turned into shelters for families who have lost everything.

In this context of devastation, ARCS is strengthening its commitment in Lebanon. Despite the bombardments and growing access constraints, the organisation continues to work alongside local partners to deliver urgent assistance to the most vulnerable communities and reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives and uphold the rights of all communities in Lebanon without distinction of ethnicity, religion, or legal status.