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UNHCR Reports Massive Displacement as Conflict Intensifies in Lebanon

Geneva: The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that Israeli attacks have led to the displacement of more than 667,000 people in Lebanon.

According to Qatar News Agency, during a press conference in Geneva, UNHCR's Representative in Lebanon, Karolina Lindholm Billing, stated, "According to the authorities, as of today, more than 667,000 people in Lebanon have now registered on the government's online displacement platform-an increase of over 100,000 in just one day-and numbers continue to rise."

She further elaborated that around 120,000 of the displaced are currently sheltering in government-designated collective sites. Many others are staying with relatives or friends, or are still searching for accommodation. Notably, many of those displaced, often for the second time since the hostilities in 2024, fled hurriedly with almost nothing, seeking safety in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, northern districts, and parts of the Bekaa.

The escalation has also prompted urgent movements into Syria. Billing reported, "According to Syrian authorities, more than 78,000 Syrians have entered from Lebanon since the escalation began, and over 7,700 Lebanese."

Billing emphasized UNHCR's efforts in Lebanon, stating, "In Lebanon, since day one, UNHCR has supported the government and local authorities in responding to the crisis. To date, we have delivered around 168,000 emergency items to more than 63,000 displaced people across over 270 government-designated collective shelters." However, she cautioned that "UNHCR's operation in Lebanon is currently only 14 per cent funded."