With support from the Ead Samawi Foundation, The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) significantly expanded its humanitarian response in Lebanon throughout 2024 as armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, particularly from September to November. The conflict expanded and took in southern Lebanon, northern Bekaa and the southern suburbs of Beirut, with thousands of people reported wounded or killed and more than 1.2 million people displaced.

Emergency Response at Scale

The ICRC delivered comprehensive humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected populations, including internally displaced persons, returnees, Syrian refugees, and Palestinian refugees. Key achievements included:

· Food and Essential Aid: 293,505 people received food assistance, while 249,725 people received hygiene kits, mattresses and other essential items

· Water and Infrastructure: Over 2.5 million people benefited from water infrastructure repairs and improvements

· Cash Support: 17,675 people received direct cash assistance to meet immediate needs

Healthcare and Protection Services

The organization strengthened healthcare capacity across Lebanon, scaling up support to 36 ICRC-supported clinics and providing medical supplies to 42 hospitals. Over 3,000 people received psychosocial support through counselling sessions, while the ICRC continued its vital work on missing persons cases and detention monitoring.

Collaborative Approach

Working closely with the Lebanese Red Cross, UN agencies, and local authorities, the ICRC coordinated a comprehensive response that addressed immediate humanitarian needs while building longer-term resilience. The organization also maintained dialogue with all parties to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law. – Majed Samawi