Lebanon: Flash Update #14 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, (as of 2 April 2026)

HIGHLIGHTS

• During his recent visit to Lebanon on 31 March, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, engaged Government officials, first responders and affected families impacted by the escalation. In his briefing on the situation to the UN Security Council, he reiterated calls for a de-escalation and safeguarding humanitarian space.
• Humanitarian partners are responding with existing capacities but face access and other operational challenges.
• Funding against the Flash Appeal stands at US$94.3 million (30.6 per cent coverage).

Situation Overview

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) Tom Fletcher visited Beirut from 31 March to 1 April, reaffirming the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the Government-led response and to advocate for civilian protection and sustained humanitarian access. During the visit, he met with senior Lebanese officials, including the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, and the Minister of Social Affairs.

The ERC also visited collective shelters in Beirut, where he engaged with displaced Lebanese and Syrian families and listened to their concerns regarding safety, access to assistance, and prospects for return to their homes. He met with frontline responders, including Lebanese Red Cross teams, underscoring the severe strain on health services and the vital role of national responders who have been operating under the current challenging conditions.

In a briefing to the UN Security Council from Beirut on 31 March, the ERC reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and respect for International Humanitarian Law. He emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian access and collective responsibility to urgently address the rapidly worsening situation in the country.

On the same day, the Security Council also condemned the killing of three UNIFIL peacekeepers in south Lebanon and reaffirmed its call for full implementation of Resolution 1701 and support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.

With no immediate signs of improvement, recent developments indicate a further deterioration in access and connectivity across regions in Lebanon that are being heavily impacted by the ongoing hostilities. Following systematic strikes on bridges and crossings in the south aimed at isolating towns, the expansion of Israeli military operations threatens to limit access to the Bekaa region. Airstrikes in western Bekaa have cut multiple roads between villages, including Saghmor–Yahmor, Qleia–Dallafeh, Yahmor–Labaya, Qleia–Ahmadiyeh, and Ahmadiyeh–Abl al-Saqi. As reported previously, these disruptions are isolating parts of the south, constraining access to essential services and humanitarian assistance for over 150,000 people, and heightening the risk faced by communities already under significant pressure. Local communities have expressed anxiety amid the reported withdrawal of the Lebanese army troops from some villages in the south.

Rising social tensions are emerging across multiple regions due to compounded pressures from displacement, restricted access, economic hardship, and a polarized information landscape. Increasing host community fatigue, anti‑IDP narratives, and misinformation related to security developments are further straining fragile social cohesion. While diplomatic efforts continue, there is growing concern that Lebanon may face significant long‑term destabilization if the regional conflict becomes protracted.