CARE responds as conflict in Lebanon escalates

“Strikes in Lebanon are continuing with increasing intensity. Already, more than 30 people have been killed. This escalation is devastating for civilians, particularly those already living in precarious conditions.

We are seeing thousands of people fleeing their homes in South Lebanon, the Bekaa and other affected areas, many with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Children, women, girls, and older people are among those forced to leave everything behind, seeking safety in overcrowded communities and shelters while essential services struggle to cope with the growing needs. So far, 85 schools have already been turned into shelters (on March 2nd at 1pm CET) to accommodate displaced families. Almost 50 are already at full capacity.

CARE International in Lebanon is currently mobilising its teams and working alongside expert Lebanese partner organisations to organise the distribution of urgently needed goods, including shelter support, hygiene kits, and other essential items, to ensure that displaced families receive immediate assistance.

We urgently call for all parties to the conflict to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the obligation to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, and to facilitate full, safe, immediate, and unimpeded humanitarian access to those affected.”

"In 2024, I witnessed the horrors of conflict firsthand, moving from one shelter to another, distributing shampoo, pads, food, water, and other essential items to women, girls, and others who had fled their homes with nothing: absolutely nothing. Now, I am seeing this happen again, with women and girls forced to escape violence and seek refuge. I am currently working with the team to prepare the first distributions within the next 24 hours. So far, 85 shelters are open (on March 2nd at 1pm CET), and we are attending to all the necessary arrangements.”