After months of Israeli bombardment, Lebanon is currently at the centre of a devastating humanitarian emergency that has left more than one million people displaced. Over 4,000 people have been killed and more than 16,600 injured. What is happening today? Despite daily ceasefire violations and the Israeli occupation that persists in large areas of the south of the country, Un Ponte Per is continuing to support the local response to the emergency, providing basic necessities to thousands of displaced families, in cooperation with our local partner Amel, which is at the forefront of addressing the situation. Although the ceasefire agreement called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south of the country as early as 27 January 2025 - later extended to 18 February - it now seems clear that the Israeli army wants to keep portions of Lebanese territory occupied. Yet the UNIFIL contingent maintains positions in the south of the country and the regular Lebanese army is now deployed on the 'blue line' so as to implement the conditions of UN ReS. 1701/2006. This resolution, however, continues to be violated by Israel, which, by maintaining positions on Lebanese territory, does not respect the country's sovereignty while undermining the credibility of the new Lebanese institutions.

THE DIFFICULT CONDITIONS IN NABATIYE

One of the areas most affected by the consequences of the war between Israel and Hezbollah is undoubtedly the Nabatiye area, where tens of thousands of houses have been destroyed or severely damaged. Life for people displaced by winter has become extremely problematic. Shelters and collective accommodation are often unhealthy and isolated. Without heating, vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities, are at risk of hypothermia and respiratory infections. Thanks to the funds raised by the Emergency Lebanon campaign and the invaluable support of Fons Català, we were able to distribute over 350 electric heaters, 350 winter kits and 350 hygiene kits to the displaced population, each of which serves a family of five. Despite the difficulties, many people are trying to return to their homes, and our commitment is to continue to support them in this obstacle course.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE SITUATION AND FOOD INSECURITY

The small Levantine country is also experiencing an exceptional food crisis. According to the WFP forecast, some 1.6 million people, or 29 per cent of the population, could suffer acute food insecurity by March 2025 due to inflation and reduced international aid. Displaced families, living in overcrowded conditions and with limited access to essential services such as water, education and health care, are again among the most vulnerable.

THE DIFFICULT RETURN TO NORMALITY

Apart from the areas that remain occupied by Israeli forces, many families are still unable to return home due to the lack of (destroyed) infrastructure and basic services. Those that have managed to return, however, face severe living conditions, without access to adequate medical care, schools and other daily necessities. Some 45 water facilities were damaged, putting access to water at risk for 497,000 people. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, are at higher risk of exploitation, gender-based violence, school drop-outs, child labour and social marginalisation. 60% of Syrian refugee minors and 27% of Lebanese children are out of school. The primary cause is displacement and the closure of school buildings.

THE ACTIVITIES OF A BRIDGE TO

In response to this emergency, Un Ponte Per, in collaboration with the Amel Association, launched the "Lebanon Emergency" campaign in October 2024 - with the support of Amel Italia - to support the humanitarian response of our Lebanese partners. Like Amel Lebanon, which is Lebanon's largest non-sectarian humanitarian organisation, and anyone who knows a little about the Lebanese context knows how exceptional it is to find capillary realities free of sectarian affiliations. Together with Amel, we also launched the project 'Emergency relief for the displaced population in Lebanon', supported by Fons Català in the governorate of Nabatiye, to provide basic assistance, basic necessities, hygiene kits, winter kits and food. Although conditions on the ground are very critical, the work of the local Amel operators is helping the most vulnerable people to survive and rebuild a dignified life. For this, we sincerely thank our partners on the ground, the many people and organisations who support us and also those who gave us a hand by spreading the word about our campaign.

OUR PROMISE

Un Ponte Per will continue to stand by the people in Lebanon who are slowly trying to return to their homes to rebuild their lives after yet another Israeli war and invasion. Despite the enormous challenges, we are committed to ensuring that the displaced families can receive the support they need to cope with the ongoing crisis, with the aim of alleviating their daily difficulties and so that they can regain a shred of hope for the future.