Fragile Ceasefire Fails to Ensure Unhindered Humanitarian Assistance in Lebanon

After more than two months of intense conflict, a ceasefire came into effect on November 27, 2024, marking a critical step toward de-escalating violence and destruction in Lebanon. Action Against Hunger welcomes this agreement, which offers a chance to alleviate suffering.

However, the situation remains fragile. Reports of ceasefire violations are alarming and these violations could derail critical efforts to assist affected communities. Despite the ceasefire, humanitarian access remains hindered in the border regions, and further risks of delays to access those most in need are expected if terms are breached. Action Against Hunger urges the international community to uphold and support the implementation of the ceasefire to ensure access to basic needs and success of recovery efforts.

The needs remain dire. This agreement comes after widespread displacement, with families struggling to return to heavily damaged or destroyed homes, while 396 collective sites still shelter more than 22,200 displaced people. Meanwhile, movement efforts are hindered by a current curfew south of the Litani River from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM, as well as by entry restrictions to 62 villages. These restrictions, along with the risks of unexploded ordnance and landmine contamination, also impede humanitarian access and the ability of aid workers to deliver timely assistance to affected populations, in particular in hard-to-reach areas. The tireless efforts of our teams have been instrumental during this crisis and ensuring their safety in such challenging conditions remains our priority.

RISK OF WATERBORNE DISEASES

As part of the response, Action Against Hunger is monitoring the situation and assessing the needs, evaluating damage to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure, agricultural systems, and healthcare facilities to guide recovery efforts. “Widespread destruction, particularly to water and sanitation infrastructure, poses major challenges for families trying to return home, with rising risks of waterborne diseases – ACF is actively coordinating with other humanitarian actors to ensure efficient and effective Internally Displaced Population site consolidation and decommissioning”, explains Suzanne Takkenberg, Director of Action Against Hunger in Lebanon.

“Winter started, and shelters are not equipped for such low temperatures. Action Against Hunger is prioritizing immediate support both for families remaining in shelters and families trying to return with food, water, shelter, blankets, mattresses, heating, and recovery”, adds Takkenberg.

IMPORTANT NUTRITION NEEDS

Food insecurity is worsening, with soaring food prices. A growing number of the population having lost their livelihoods and are unable to afford basic staples or access food and feeding utensils.

“It is particularly critical to support pregnant women and caregivers of young children to mitigate the risk of nutritional deficiencies and prevent stunting or developmental delays during this vital growth period. We are not only providing food and establishing community kitchens in shelters but also screening malnutrition cases and providing supplementary food to mothers and children”, explains Suzanne Takkenberg.

Action Against Hunger remains committed to assisting affected populations with flexibility and adaptability as the situation evolves and calls for sustained international support to ensure this ceasefire leads to long-term peace in the region. It is critical to focus on the recovery of affected populations and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, including the ongoing mass humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.