The current situation in Lebanon
As of October 2024
The scale of displacement in Lebanon largely surpasses the country’s ability to house the displaced. According to the Lebanese authorities, over 600 out of an allocated 800 shelters are already full. The lack of shelters to house all the displaced are forcing many to sleep in the streets and further exacerbates the discrimination and exclusion of minority groups, particularly Syrian refugees and migrant workers. Dire water and sanitation conditions as well as overcrowding in the shelters create a fertile ground for the spread of infectious diseases, such as diarrhoea, skin infections, etc., highlighting the urgency to address the shelter, hygiene, clean drinking water, and medical needs of the internally displaced people.
Most people have left everything behind and can’t go back to collect any of their clothes, food or medical prescriptions. Many of them have also lost their sources of income. On top of access to continuous medical care and mental health support, they need essential items, including mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits. The current situation compounds an ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbating pre-existing needs. Lebanon’s healthcare system, like other sectors in the country, was already overburdened by the economic crisis that has led to the emigration of many of its medical staff and compromised the general capacity and resources of medical facilities. Local health centres, that are already at capacity, are faced with increasing pressure while they try to contend with the growing medical needs of displaced people. According to national authorities, the number of people having fled to Syria has exceeded 300,000, including Syrian and Lebanese nationals. This cross-border displacement highlights the escalating regional impact of the conflict.
The ongoing conflict already had a devasting impact on civilian and civilian infrastructures, including medical facilities and healthcare workers: According to the World Health Organization, between 17th and 28th September 2024, 38 health workers were killed. In addition, six hospitals and 40 primary health centres have been forced to close, with ongoing airstrikes and road damage severely restricting the movement of people and humanitarian access to several affected areas. Insecurity Insight identified 18 incidents of violence against or obstruction of healthcare between 23 and 25 September. Prior to the escalation of the conflict, 51 health workers had already been killed and five hospitals damaged since 8 October 2023.
MSF is gravely concerned about Israel’s bombing campaign in Lebanon, much of which is taking place in densely populated urban areas. We call for the immediate deescalation of hostilities to prevent further suffering, injury, and loss of life.