Lebanon: Another Ramadan in displacement for families in South

Over 160,000 housing units were either destroyed or damaged in Lebanon during the 2024 escalation, while critical civilian infrastructure was decimated across the country, particularly in the south.  

Estimates show that physical damage to assets amounts to approximately 6.8 billion US dollars. 

“We continue to see the long-term consequences of months of destructive conflict across Lebanon as this is a rare instance where post-war has not been met with donor investment to support the most vulnerable,” said Maureen Philippon, NRC’s country director in Lebanon.  

“Families should be able to rebuild their lives, but ongoing attacks and insecurity are undermining reconstruction. This is another Ramadan that people will spend in harsh conditions.” 

Initially set to expire on 26 January 2025, the ceasefire arrangement was extended until 18 February 2025, raising hopes of a sustainable return for displaced families. A year later, near-daily Israeli air attacks and ground incursions continue, preventing thousands from going back home, accessing agricultural fields and restoring a normal life.   

Khawla, from the border village of Zaloutieh, remains displaced in Tyre, a coastal city in southern Lebanon. She said, “Our village is wiped out. There is no possibility of living there. We are still displaced because we have nothing to return to.” 

In Naqoura, a border town in southern Lebanon, Abo Ali returned because he could no longer afford renting a place in a safer location. He now lives inside his damaged house. He told NRC, “I rehabilitated one room so we can stay there. The conditions are very hard, but we have no other option.” 

“For many who returned, the reality has been harsh,” said Philippon. “Homes have been burnt, reduced to rubble, or remain unsafe to inhabit. Families are living in damaged houses, often confined to one repaired room or crowding the least damaged house they can find amongst relatives.” 

NRC continues to support households in war-torn areas through shelter rehabilitation and communal infrastructure, including improving access to water. 

“When the repairs were completed, we could finally come back and start again,” said one of the families supported by NRC in southern Lebanon.  

“Many of those who have returned told us they could no longer afford the cost of displacement. Ensuring safe and dignified living conditions, along with access to basic services, is critical. Without support for recovery, thousands of families will remain caught between displacement and destruction,” added Philippon. 

NRC calls on Israel's allies to urge Israel to stop attacks on civilian areas and villages across Lebanon. Donors must urgently scale up support for shelter rehabilitation and reconstruction so families can return safely and rebuild their lives in dignity. 
 

Notes to editors: 

• Photos from Lebanon can be downloaded for free use here. 

• A conditional 60-day cessation of hostilities agreed between Lebanon and Israel took effect on 27 November 2024, following 66 days of intense escalation and ending 14 months of attacks that devastated communities across the country. 

• The initial 60-day conditional period was later extended and ultimately ended on 18 February 2025. 

• The conflict impacted an estimated 162,900 housing units, approximately 10 per cent of Lebanon’s pre-conflict housing stock, resulting in physical damage estimated at 4.6 billion US dollars (World Bank). 

•  The World Bank estimates conflict-related damages at around 6.8 billion US dollars in physical assets and 7.2 billion US dollars in economic losses (World Bank). 

• The majority of housing damage occurred in southern Lebanon and areas along the Blue Line. 

• An estimated 1.2 million people were affected by displacement across Lebanon during the escalation (UNHCR Lebanon Emergency Regional Update). 

• More than 64,000 people remain displaced since the October 2023 escalation (IOM). 

• UNIFIL has documented more than 7,500 Israeli airspace violations and nearly 2,500 ground violations since the ceasefire (UNIFIL).  

• The UN documented four incidents of projectiles fired by armed groups in Lebanon towards Israel during the ceasefire, none of which resulted in casualties (OHCHR).  

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:   

• NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329