Today's top news: Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory

Non-governmental organization Basmeh and Zeitooneh deliver vital relief supplies to displaced families in Lebanon, where needs remain severe despite reduced displacement. Photo: Basmeh and Zeitooneh

#Lebanon

Fewer on the move, but most families unable to return home

OCHA says that needs remain severe in Lebanon amid a fragile situation on the ground.

While the ceasefire has slowed new displacement, people are still on the move as families trying to return to their communities face damaged homes, disrupted services and continued security risks.

There are nearly 116,000 people still in collective shelters countrywide, down just slightly – about 4 per cent – from yesterday. In addition, hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced outside of these shelters, staying with relatives, host communities or other makeshift arrangements.

In Beirut, displacement has increased as instability persists in parts of southern Lebanon. Some families are going back briefly to check on their homes, but returns remain limited in the South, Nabatieh, Beirut’s southern suburbs and parts of the Bekaa.

Emergency assessments have resumed, both inside and outside collective shelters, after a short pause at the start of the ceasefire, helping to sharpen our support for both displaced families and those trying to return to their homes.

Since March 2, humanitarian partners have distributed nearly 150,000 blankets and some 117,000 mattresses, as well as more than 91,000 hygiene kits and 46,000 menstrual hygiene kits. More than 6.6 million hot and cold meals have been provided in collective shelters, along with 94,000 ready‑to‑eat rations.

Separately, the UN Human Rights Office published a report today documenting the significant civilian toll of the first weeks of the recent escalation in Lebanon, including deaths, large‑scale displacement, and serious damage to homes, health facilities, and other civilian infrastructure. The report raises concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law by all parties and calls for accountability and the protection of civilians.

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

New UN mapping records spike in Palestinians' movement obstacles in West Bank

OCHA yesterday released a new mapping of access restrictions that Israeli forces have set up across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

It shows that restrictions on movements and access of Palestinians across the West Bank is tightening. On at least three occasions last month, Israeli forces installed obstacles - these can include checkpoints, gates, trenches and earth mounds - across Nablus, Salfit and Tubas governorates, disrupting people’s access to services, homes and livelihoods.

These new obstacles come on top of others that Israeli authorities have imposed over decades.

The analysis is based on a survey carried out by OCHA and its partners in December 2025, which documented 925 obstacles that restrict access to livelihoods and services for 3.4 million Palestinians. This is 43 per cent above the average of 650 obstacles over the past two decades, and the highest number on record.

OCHA notes that the 712-kilometre-long Barrier with its gate and permit regime remains the single largest obstacle to Palestinian movements in the West Bank.

In Gaza, a recent UN survey covering over 40 UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs, shows a system-wide shortage of engine oil and spare parts, which are essential to keep vehicles and back-up generators running. If shortages persist, essential services such as health, water and sanitation will be at risk of erosion or even collapse.

Humanitarian partners warn that approvals and a sustained flow of supplies are critically needed.

Meanwhile, health partners report that as of last Friday, just about 43 per cent of all health points that were operational before October 2023 were still functioning, most of them only partially. Health partners have provided an average of 276,000 consultations every week in April, up from about 201,000 per week in March.

Recently, the World Health Organization completed a 128-bed extension at Al-Shifa Hospital, increasing its inpatient capacity.

Correction to yesterday’s update: humanitarian partners are supporting the daily production of 290 – not 230 – metric tons of bread.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support.