Delivering a lifesaving response amid new war
3 March 2026 - BEIRUT - As war spreads across the Middle East, retaliatory violence is affecting several countries, with Lebanon experiencing immediate humanitarian consequences.
In the early hours of 2 March, exchanges of fire erupted along the Lebanon–Israel border, followed by extensive Israeli airstrikes in South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Aid distribution, 2 March 2026 - Credit: Caritas Lebanon
Within hours, at least 52 people were killed and 154 were wounded. More than 32,000 people have been displaced nationwide, 56 villages evacuated, and 221 airstrikes recorded across Baalbek-Hermel, Bekaa, Nabatiyeh, Saida, and Tyre.
Donate to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand so we can respond to emergencies like this one.
Entire families fled from the south, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel toward Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the north. Schools, public buildings, and community centres have been transformed into makeshift shelters.
Of the 191 shelters opened so far, 114 are already at or beyond capacity. Roads from the south to Beirut remain heavily congested as displacement continues.
Amid this turmoil, Caritas Lebanon declared a state of emergency and activated its Emergency Response Unit. The organisation is coordinating with national authorities, mobilising volunteers, and expanding operations. A total of 325 collective shelters are being prepared.
Food distribution - 2 March 2026 - Credit: Caritas Lebanon
Community kitchens have been scaled up, while hot meal distribution points and essential non-food items such as mattresses, blankets, and pillows are being delivered to overcrowded shelters.
“In Lebanon, this escalation has had immediate and devastating humanitarian consequences. Our medical mobile clinics have been deployed in South Lebanon, providing medical consultations and essential medication to affected families. Global solidarity is essential now to help us sustain and scale this lifesaving response for the most vulnerable.” – Caritas Lebanon.
According to official sources, the scale, intensity, and geographic spread of the current escalation point to a dramatic surge in displacement. With streets congested by fleeing families, projections indicate that the number of internally displaced persons could exceed one million.
Caritas Lebanon is preparing to scale up its response in case of a prolonged conflict and urgently calls for support, as national and international aid response mechanisms are already overstretched.
Story credit: Caritas Internationalis
Now help is urgently required in Lebanon and across the region. Donations to the Caritas Lent Appeal will be used in emergencies like this one – wherever the need is greatest.