Lebanon: Evacuations Escalate as Israel Threatens Hezbollah Strikes
Lebanon – Despite a recent extension to the ceasefire agreement, tensions in Lebanon are surging, prompting the United Nations to intensify its push for peace. The organization is actively supporting displaced communities by supplying food, ensuring safety, and offering additional aid. As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with thousands of families forced to abandon their homes in the southern regions of Beirut.
Mass Displacement Amid Rising Threats
On Monday, a significant number of residents evacuated Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israel’s announcement of planned strikes against Hezbollah militants. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, highlighted the chaos as families fled by vehicle, on foot, and even on bicycles, carrying only essential supplies. “Many have returned to shelters, and fears are growing alongside uncertainty,” the agency remarked in a tweet, emphasizing the critical need for stability in the region.
“Families are leaving by car, motorcycle, and on foot, carrying essentials,” the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, tweeted. “Many others are returning to shelters and ‘fear and uncertainty are mounting.’”
The UN reiterated its stance that civilian targets should be spared. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire and prevent further violence. “We condemn any loss of civilian lives and stress the importance of a diplomatic resolution to end the cycle of hostilities,” he stated during a press briefing in New York.
Emergency Council Session and Escalation Logic
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session to address the escalating crisis. The meeting underscored the gravity of the situation as both sides in the conflict remain entrenched in their positions. UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine-Hennis Plasschaert noted that southern Lebanon is “in flames,” with roads in Beirut overwhelmed by those fleeing their homes. “The suffering is intensifying as both sides hold out for victory,” she said, adding that “escalation has its own logic” and “managing it is a high-stakes gamble, with people already losing too much bearing the cost.”
“Escalation has its own logic” and “attempting to contain or manage it is a high-stakes gamble, with costs borne by people who have already lost too much,” she said.
The conflict, which began on 2 March, erupted shortly after the U.S. and Israel initiated attacks on Iran. This led Hezbollah to retaliate against Israeli targets, sparking a cycle of violence that has persisted despite two nominal ceasefire extensions. The most recent agreement, effective from 16 May, was intended to last 45 days but has not fully stopped hostilities. Humanitarians reported that many people fled Beirut and surrounding cities like Tyre and Saida after the threat of renewed strikes and displacement orders.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian emergency, with displacement and food insecurity reaching alarming levels. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), over a million civilians have been displaced, and 1.24 million people nationwide are struggling to access adequate nutrition. “The ongoing conflict, marked by daily bombardments and repeated displacement orders, is undermining humanitarian access,” the WFP stated, noting that “these conditions are hindering the delivery of essential aid, especially in hard-to-reach areas.”
“Nearly three months into the conflict, Lebanon faces a deepening humanitarian emergency with a critical combination of displacement and increased food insecurity,” the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday.
Healthcare systems are also under strain, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting five attacks in the past three days. These strikes resulted in the death of one health worker and injuries to 19 others. The crisis has compounded existing challenges, including rising living costs and the disruption of supply chains. For instance, vegetable prices have increased by 20 percent, while bread costs are now 15 percent higher than before.
Aid Efforts and Regional Context
UN agencies, including UNHCR, are working closely with local governments to manage the emergency response. Their efforts have reached hundreds of thousands of people with essential services such as shelter, cash assistance, and protection. However, the situation remains dire, with markets in southern Lebanon and Nabatieh—over 80 percent of the region—no longer operating. In contrast, Beirut’s markets remain open but are increasingly strained by the influx of displaced individuals.
A recent shipment of 250 metric tonnes of wheat flour entered Lebanon through Jordan, providing crucial support to around 10,000 vulnerable households. Despite these efforts, the WFP emphasized the urgent need for sustained humanitarian access, stable supply routes, and reliable funding to address the growing needs. “Without these, the crisis will continue to escalate,” the agency added.
As the conflict drags on, the toll on civilians becomes more evident. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, cited Lebanese health authorities to report that 3,412 people have been killed and over 10,000 injured since the conflict began. Over the weekend, at least 88 lives were reportedly lost, highlighting the relentless impact of the war. The UN’s repeated calls for restraint and a diplomatic resolution reflect the growing concern that the cycle of violence will persist without a broader agreement.
