The weeks following the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon have focused on assessments of the high humanitarian needs and economic costs. The conflict has caused massive destruction, displacing nearly 1.2 million people, with 179,000 still unable to return home due to safety concerns, destroyed infrastructure, and limited access to essential services. Though the number of people in formal shelters has dropped to 6,600, the strain on local communities and infrastructure continues to be overwhelming. The hardest-hit areas include Nabatieh and Tyre, where families with young children and elderly members face prolonged displacement are grappling with severe water shortages, unreliable electricity, and damaged facilities.

After over two months of intense conflict and nearly a year of escalating hostilities, a ceasefire came into effect on 27 November at 04:00 local time, marking a pivotal moment for Lebanon. The agreement is rooted in implementing UN Resolution 1701 (2006), establishing a 60-day timeline for withdrawing forces from southern Lebanon and deploying Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) along the border. In the hours preceding the ceasefire, 26 November witnessed devastating airstrikes by the country to the south of Lebanon, causing significant destruction across multiple areas. Beirut was heavily impacted, particularly its central district and southern suburbs, leading to widespread panic. The Bekaa Valley suffered similar devastation, while Saida and the Rashidieh Palestinian refugee camp were targeted for the first time since October. Additionally, airstrikes severed the Aridah crossing between northern Lebanon and Syria, further isolating the country. Since the ceasefire, many displaced families have begun returning to their communities. However, these returns are fraught with challenges, as many encounter destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. Others remain unable to return due to safety concerns and access restrictions, particularly in southern Lebanon.

After over two months of intense conflict and nearly a year of escalating hostilities, a ceasefire came into effect on 27 November at 04:00 local time, marking a pivotal moment for Lebanon. The agreement is rooted in implementing UN Resolution 1701 (2006), establishing a 60-day timeline for withdrawing forces from southern Lebanon and deploying Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) along the border. In the hours preceding the ceasefire, 26 November witnessed devastating airstrikes by the country to the south of Lebanon, causing significant destruction across multiple areas. Beirut was heavily impacted, particularly its central district and southern suburbs, leading to widespread panic. The Bekaa Valley suffered similar devastation, while Saida and the Rashidieh Palestinian refugee camp were targeted for the first time since October. Additionally, airstrikes severed the Aridah crossing between northern Lebanon and Syria, further isolating the country. Since the ceasefire, many displaced families have begun returning to their communities. However, these returns are fraught with challenges, as many encounter destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. Others remain unable to return due to safety concerns and access restrictions, particularly in southern Lebanon.

World Vision Syria Response (WVSR), in partnership with a local partner, implemented an anticipatory action project in Northern Syria. The project targets mitigating the impacts of floods, droughts, and associated risks derived from climate change through pre-emptive measures. Engaging extensively with community stakeholders, the project addresses challenges like recurrent droughts, sporadic floods, and service provision gaps due to limited governance structures.

WORLD VISION URGES IMMEDIATE PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN AMID THE ALARMING ESCALATIONS IN NORTHWEST SYRIA

The population in Northwest Syria is 5.1 million, 4.2 million of which are in need of assistance. Among them, 3.6 million are food-insecure, 3.4 million are internally displaced, and 2 million are living in camps. From 2014 to 2023, the cross-border aid delivery mechanism from Türkiye has served as a critical lifeline to people in Northwest Syria. Based on the consent letter dated 13 July 2023, the Government of Syria granted the UN permission to use the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for humanitarian aid delivery into Northwest Syria. This arrangement eliminated the need for a UN Security Council resolution and, since then, the consent letter to deliver aid has been renewed every six months. A recent Protection Cluster assessment of 259 communities in Northwest Syria revealed limited access to protection services and aid, with 55% of communities reporting no assistance. Another recent assessment conducted by the Education Cluster showed that 54% of schools in the region were affected, with approximately 1,000 schools partially damaged. This has led to an increase in out-of-school children, rising from an estimated 800,000 to 1 million. The ongoing conflict in the area had already compromised sewage networks due to airstrikes, ground battles, and inadequate infrastructure management. These factors resulted in the destruction of wastewater pipelines, rendering substantial portions of the sewage system inoperable. The earthquake also caused significant damage to vital WASH facilities, including the collapse of water reservoirs, towers, stations, and sanitation systems. A REACH assessment indicated that at least 25% of WASH services in Northwest Syria were damaged. This exposure to untreated sewage has contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis; this posed a significant threat to local water sources and public health. The existing WASH infrastructures, already fragile and inadequate, have been further strained by limited funding.

Children accounted for one-third of all recorded casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) globally in 2023. That is 2,130 children and their families around the world whose lives are forever altered by death and serious injuries. No family should have to worry that their child’s walk to school or football game with friends will end in tragedy, and the children facing these risks need better protection from these deadly weapons.

Unaccompanied Syrian children in need of mental health support