Lebanon ceasefire: a moment of hope that must hold

“After 46 days of horrific violence, the ceasefire in Lebanon is a moment of hope for civilians across the country. The ceasefire offers people a chance to breathe and to end a conflict that has killed more than 2,000 people and injured many thousands. More than one million people have been displaced. 

“Across the country, roads are already congested with hopeful families trying to return to their homes. That alone shows how deeply people want this war to end. All parties must now commit to a permanent ceasefire. 

“This fragile truce must not be undermined. We cannot afford a repeat of the ineffective 2024 ceasefire, which saw countless violations. Worryingly, there are already reports of violations by the Israeli army, which also issued a warning against civilians returning to their homes south of the Litani river, home to hundreds of thousands of people. Civilians need more than a temporary reduction in violence while obstacles to return remain in place. 

“For this ceasefire to be meaningful for civilians, it must lead to a real and durable halt in hostilities. It must ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and clear conditions for safe return. It must come with increased international support for humanitarian aid. People must not be prevented from returning to their homes, whether through continued military presence, renewed violations, or destruction that renders areas uninhabitable. 

“The people of Lebanon do not need another fragile pause. They need a permanent ceasefire.” 

Note to editors: 

• Photos from Lebanon are available for free use here.

• A ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, brokered by the United States, entered into effect on 16 April 2026 at 17:00 EST for an initial period of ten days (US Government). 

• In Lebanon, 1,049,328 people have self-registered as displaced as of 2 April (DRM). 

• In Lebanon, 2,196 people have been killed and 7,185 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since 2 March (DRM). 

• In Israel, at least 26 people have been killed and 2,503 injured, including 594 from rocket fire, according to Magen David Adom (MDA) (Hidabroot). Separate data from the Ministry of Health indicates a higher number of hospital-treated cases, including indirect injuries. The figures capture casualties treated by MDA’s emergency teams, including injuries from rocket fire, injuries sustained while seeking shelter, and cases of acute anxiety. They do not reflect total hospital-treated cases or distinguish between impacts from Iran and Hezbollah. 

• In Israel, more than 18,400 claims for damage to structures have been filed since the start of hostilities (Jerusalem Post). This figure reflects the overall conflict-related damage and does not distinguish between impacts from Iran and Hezbollah. 

• The Lebanon humanitarian flash appeal requires 308 million USD to support one million affected people in the country. As of 17 April, 73 million USD have been provided making the plan less than 24 per cent funded (OCHA). 

• In Lebanon, NRC is active in providing support for dignified shelter, water and sanitation services, education support, information and legal counselling services and distributed non-food items including blankets, mattresses, kitchen kits and menstrual kits. We have provided support to thousands of internally displaced people across all affected areas of the country. 

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

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