Lebanon is facing a sudden and overwhelming wave of displacement following renewed hostilities and bombings that began on 1 March 2026. Airstrikes across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut have forced hundreds of thousands of families to leave their homes in search of safety. This marks the most serious escalation since the November 2024 ceasefire.
In response to this urgent humanitarian crisis, INARA has launched a rapid response intervention for Lebanon. The operation addresses the immediate needs of the 816,700 self-registered internally displaced people, including over 31,900 families, with children making up 32 percent of those impacted.
INARA’s immediate response
Hot meals
INARA is distributing freshly prepared hot meals to families living in both formal shelters and informal locations. Many displaced individuals have lost access to reliable food sources, making these meals vital during a period of uncertainty. Food assistance is especially critical during Ramadan, when families rely on consistent meals at sunset after a day of fasting.
Essential medicines
Alongside food support, INARA is providing essential medicines to displaced people who have lost access to pharmacies and healthcare. Displacement often interrupts medical treatment, leaving children, older adults, and those with ongoing health conditions at risk. Access to medicines helps manage illnesses and prevent further complications during this difficult time.
Hygiene kits
INARA is also distributing hygiene kits to families living in crowded shelter environments. When people are forced into temporary or overcrowded conditions, limited hygiene supplies increase the risk of infections. Providing these kits helps families maintain personal cleanliness, protect children from preventable illness, and preserve a sense of dignity during an incredibly challenging period.
Expanding support
As the crisis continues, INARA will expand its response to include clean water and sanitation services, mental health and psycho-social support for children and caregivers, and medical programs to address the broader health needs of displaced communities.
With over 700,000 people internally displaced, the humanitarian needs in Lebanon remain urgent. INARA’s efforts focus on reaching families and children with life-altering assistance, providing food, medicine, hygiene supplies, and other essential support to help them survive and cope during this critical period.
