Situation Overview
On 26 November, another UNFPA-supported safe space was destroyed in Sour, South Lebanon. The facility provided services to hundreds of women and girls, including survivors of GBV. Two UNFPA-supported primary health care centres and five WGSSs are no longer operational across the country.
● An estimated 562,000 people (37% Lebanese, 63% Syrian) had crossed from Lebanon into Syria and 41,442 Lebanese had arrived in Iraq. Reverse population movements into Lebanon continued following the ceasere announcement, with UNHCR reporting that more than 40,000 people have returned from Syria and 4,035 from Iraq since then.
● On 27 November a ceasefire came into effect in Lebanon, which included a 60-day timeline for Israel's forces withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces along the border. The ceasefire was preceded by a day of devastating airstrikes across the country, which resulted in nearly 80 fatalities and over 260 injuries.
● The current context continues to create safety risks and exacerbate pre-existing protection risks. Psychological distress and GBV are reportedly increasing. Family separation, leading to large numbers of women-headed households, is exposing women and girls to heightened risks of violence and exploitation. Pregnant women and new mothers are concerned about hygiene conditions in shelters and the lack of health services in their communities.
● As of 28 November, escalating hostilities across Lebanon had resulted in more than 3,900 deaths (20% women).
Around 16,500 other people have been injured. The continuous targeting of healthcare facilities has weakened the healthcare infrastructure. Prior to the ceasefire, 241 health workers were killed on duty and 158 health centers attacked. A total of 76 primary health care centers (PHCCs) and seven hospitals are now closed, with an additional seven hospitals having been forced to reduce services.
● People who fled and are now returning to their communities are being met with an overwhelming level of destruction, with homes destroyed, infrastructure severely damaged and limited/no access to basic services. Some families cannot yet return to their communities due to restrictions imposed by Israel, while others have chosen to remain where they are fearing violations of the ceasefire agreement.
● The destruction of civil registry offices has severely impacted the issuance of civil registration documents, affecting legal status and making it difficult to access basic rights and services.
