The United Nations and the Lebanese government have announced a $371.4 million extension of the Lebanon Flash Appeal to provide critical assistance to civilians affected by the recent conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The announcement was made at the Grand Serail in Beirut by Deputy Prime Minister Saade el-Shami and UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, extending the emergency initiative through March 2025.
Building on the initial appeal launched in October 2024, this extension seeks to deliver life-saving aid to Lebanon’s most vulnerable populations, including Lebanese citizens, Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and migrants. The initiative complements the Lebanon Response Plan (LRP), which serves as a broader framework for humanitarian and stabilization efforts.
The extended appeal prioritizes urgent needs such as food assistance, winterization support, emergency infrastructure repairs, and civilian protection. It also addresses gaps in healthcare, water supply, and education services, aiming to alleviate the severe challenges facing the country.
The ongoing crisis follows a devastating six-week conflict from late September to early November 2024, which claimed over 4,000 lives, injured 16,000 people, and displaced more than one million. The destruction of homes, critical infrastructure, and essential services has left over 125,000 individuals still displaced, with many others struggling to rebuild their lives amid widespread devastation.
In addition to humanitarian aid, Lebanon’s institutions and public sector require significant support to prevent the collapse of basic and social services. Municipalities and local authorities, which have borne much of the burden during the crisis, urgently need emergency funding to sustain their operations.
The psychological toll of the conflict remains severe, particularly for children, many of whom are grappling with long-term trauma. Efforts to provide food, essential supplies, and psychological support are ongoing, with UNICEF playing a key role in supporting vulnerable families and returning refugees in collaboration with partners like the Lebanese Red Cross.
Both the UN and the Lebanese government have emphasized the need for sustained international support to stabilize the country, deliver aid, and facilitate recovery. The response aims to bridge immediate humanitarian needs with long-term recovery planning, ensuring a coordinated, transparent, and accountable approach.
With continued funding and global solidarity, Lebanon hopes to overcome one of the darkest periods in its modern history and lay the foundation for recovery and resilience.
About the Author
