[Lebanon](3) More Than Israeli Airstrikes: Uncovering the Hidden Humanitarian Crisis
Lebanon, grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, faces years of political turmoil, corruption, a refugee influx from Syria, and conflict with Hezbollah. Peace Winds photographer Fumon Kondo’s third report sheds light on Lebanon’s ongoing struggles amid the conflict.
The Life of Refugees Seeking Shelter
About 20 minutes’ drive from the center of Beirut, the atmosphere starts to change, and a slight tension builds inside the car. Old apartment buildings line the streets, with piles of laundry haphazardly hung on balconies. This area, shaded by overpasses and a bit darker than the rest of the city, quickly gives off the impression of being much more dangerous than the urban center.
After packing only the essentials, we stepped outside and met a local of Lebanon. He agreed to share his story on the condition that his face and name remain anonymous. He was the manager of an evacuation center for people fleeing Beirut due to airstrikes.
Located in a residential area, the dark building was once a public school but had been abandoned for years. Now, it houses 25 families, totaling 75 evacuees. The entrance, dim and eerie, felt like something straight out of a gangster movie, a place where an evil organization might set up.
Each floor has 7 to 8 rooms of various sizes, likely assigned based on family size. The rooms are minimally furnished with just mattresses, and clothes and other belongings are scattered around. Despite it being daytime, the room remains dim, with light only seeping in through the window.
The restrooms are dark and dirty, with no separation between genders. A bucket of water is left nearby for evacuees to wash. Meals are provided three times a day by aid organizations, and the warehouse is stocked with bottled water. Due to the overcrowded city center, there are no long-term accommodations for evacuees, so temporary shelters are set up in impoverished suburban areas, as local partner organization staff explain.
Money and Education: The Most Urgent Needs for Lebanon’s Crisis-Stricken Families
The evacuation of residents was not allowed to be filmed, but we spoke with one Lebanese evacuee, Kadar (a pseudonym), a father of three, who shared his story:
“We evacuated from Borj El Brajneh, a suburb of Beirut, three months ago. Our home was completely destroyed by airstrikes. I used to work in a hospital, but I can’t find work here now. My children and I spend the whole day in this room. What we need most right now is cash. Without it, we can’t buy what we need or go anywhere. My biggest concern is my children’s education. Since we evacuated, they haven’t been able to attend school here.”
Dorcas, the local partner organization, has been visiting evacuation centers, listening to people’s needs and providing necessary support. However, despite increased media attention on Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis, international aid remains much lower than requested locally.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that $90 million is needed for humanitarian aid between January and March 2025, but so far only $6 million has been secured. This is less than 7% of the required amount (*5).
(*5)WFP Lebanon Snapshot (December 2024)
Money and Education: The Most Urgent Needs for Lebanon’s Crisis-Stricken Families
Lebanese people are known for their optimism and adaptability, often turning adversity into humor and finding ways to survive. However, even they are struggling to find hope in Lebanon’s current crisis.
The country is facing numerous challenges: over 1.5 million refugees, a long-running economic crisis, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, government and bank dysfunction, a collapsed tourism industry, currency devaluation, and hyperinflation. The recent airstrikes have worsened an already severe humanitarian situation.
The world of international humanitarian aid is now being tested on how to deliver appropriate support to the right places, regardless of media attention or public interest.
(Read more about Lebanon’s current situation [Part 1])
In order to carry out aid activities within Lebanon, reports are submitted to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions abroad. Close coordination with local partner organizations and the collection of security information is conducted. Staff are dispatched after ensuring safety during travel and securing evacuation routes in case of emergencies.
▶Emergency Aid for Lebanon’s Humanitarian Crisis (Peace Winds Japan)