12 May 2026 — Civilians across Lebanon are facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis marked by large-scale displacement, rising food insecurity, escalating health needs, and continued airstrikes, despite a three week ceasefire extension being declared on April 23. After a trip inside Lebanon last week, two leaders from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reflected on the dramatic escalation of needs:
Bob Kitchen, IRC Vice President of Emergencies and Humanitarian Crisis Response, said:
“Last week in Beirut, I met with IRC staff and local partners, some of whom have been displaced themselves, who are continuing to respond to this crisis with extraordinary commitment despite immense personal loss. What we are seeing on the ground is a rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency: families forced from their homes, health systems under strain, and communities struggling to meet even their most basic needs. Over 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, nearly 20% of population, with over 126,000 people living in overcrowded makeshift shelters.
“On our journey to these shelters, we saw some sleeping in tents outdoors with some staying in cramped quarters with family and friends. Others are depleting their savings to rent temporary apartments.
“One mother in a shelter conveyed to us that she was rationing food and her children were only able to get one meal a day. The IRC’s emergency response in Lebanon has focused on critical support, including healthcare, mental health services, and protection. But needs are outpacing resources, and without an urgent scale-up, many more people will be left without the assistance they urgently require.”
Kelly Razzouk, IRC Vice President for Global Policy and Advocacy, added:
“Last week in Lebanon, we met thirteen-year-old Bassem, who is living in a shelter after his home was destroyed. When I asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said, ‘an architect, so I can rebuild my house.’ Bassem is one of the over 360,000 displaced children who are now facing fear and uncertainty over their future.
“Nearly every family we met spoke of overwhelming anxiety, grief, and depression. Children are struggling to sleep. Parents are carrying the impossible burden of trying to provide security while coping with trauma themselves. As needs continue to rise, access to mental health support is becoming increasingly urgent.
“We witnessed the IRC, together with local partners, stepping up to deliver lifesaving mental health services through initiatives like “the National Lifeline,” a free hotline for suicide prevention and emotional support, and mobile mental health teams that bring support directly to communities in need.
“But while needs are surging, funding for lifesaving mental health services continues to decline. Without urgent international support, critical programs that help people cope with trauma, prevent suicide, and rebuild a sense of hope and stability will not reach those who need them most. There are clear solutions to address the mental health crisis in Lebanon.
“At a moment when an entire generation is facing displacement, fear and deep psychological distress, the international community cannot afford to look away. What is needed now is decisive action and political will to ensure children like those we met this week are not left to carry the scars of the crisis alone.”