In the last ten days, the conflict in Lebanon has seen intensified attacks across the country. On World Children’s Day, Lebanon mourned the tragic killing of 200 children since the escalation, underscoring the profound human cost of this crisis. Negotiations have resumed in an effort to reach a ceasefire. At the moment, no agreement has been confirmed, and hostilities continue unabated. Amid these negotiations, heavy bombings have escalated to unprecedented levels. Recent airstrikes targeted highly populated neighbourhoods without prior evacuation orders in central Beirut—Basta, Mar Elias, and Zokak el-Blat—areas sheltering internally displaced families. These strikes killed 48 people, injured over 150, and displaced hundreds of families for a second time. In southern Lebanon, entire villages have been destroyed, leaving critical infrastructure—water, sanitation, and electricity systems—completely inoperable. Heavy bombings in Tyre, Baalbek, Hermel and Beirut’s suburbs have further deepened the destruction. Economic and physical damages are now estimated at $8.5 billion, and even with a ceasefire, it will take at least a year of repairs before families can return home. Over 170,000 people face imminent job losses due to the destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, as of 24 November, 3,754 people have been killed, including at least 230 children, and more than 15,626 have been injured.

Responding to children’s urgent call for climate justice, World Vision has developed the first organisation-wide Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action (ESCA) Strategic Roadmap. World Vision completed the first stocktake of ESCA -related programmes implemented during financial years 2023-24 across 69 countries.

The conflict in Lebanon, which escalated in late September, has intensified significantly over the past ten days, reaching unprecedented levels nationwide. In the south, 37 villages and around 200,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless and displaced to shelters across the country. In Beirut’s suburbs, relentless airstrikes have caused widespread destruction, with frequent evacuation orders. Despite the risks, many residents remain in their homes, and local markets, a key source of livelihoods, are still running.

Maurice Sadlier warns that for rich countries the problems of the climate crisis still seem to be in a different galaxy far, far away.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience Capacity of World Vision Iraq

Anticipatory Action Fact Sheet - Middle East and Eastern Europe

Somalia’s path to lasting peace remains complex due to historical grievances, social fragmentation, and recurring regional conflicts. These factors impede social cohesion and undermine efforts towards stability. Addressing these deep-seated issues demands a multifaceted approach that builds trust, foster collaboration, and strengthens community resilience.

Lebanon Response Situation Report

Today, children in East Africa face an array of challenges. Conflict disrupts lives in Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia, forcing families to flee their homes and depriving children of safety, stability, and access to education. Of particular concern, is the dire food insecurity in the region, occasioned by the polycrisis of conflict, climate change and economic hardship.