Beirut, Lebanon, June 3, 2026 — As fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that only a lasting ceasefire can create the conditions for humanitarian recovery.
Israeli airstrikes, ground operations, and large-scale evacuation orders have forced families to flee their homes, often with little notice and few resources. Many have lost access to income, while damage to infrastructure and ongoing insecurity are making it harder for people to access food, healthcare, and other essential services. An estimated 1.24 million people across Lebanon are projected to face acute food insecurity this year, with conditions expected to be particularly severe in the south and worsening with every evacuation order being issued.
Sherine Ibrahim, IRC Regional Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa and Ukraine, who is currently in Lebanon, said:
"So many families here have lost everything – their homes, their sense of safety, their livelihoods. They need the fighting to stop, for good. Even before this latest escalation, communities were struggling to afford food and access basic services. Now, thousands more people are being forced from their homes with little warning—some for the second or third time."
Civilians in Lebanon need a sustained ceasefire that protects lives, enables families to return safely to their homes, and creates the conditions for recovery. This also requires safe and sustained humanitarian access. Humanitarian organizations continue to face significant operational challenges, including insecurity, damaged infrastructure, movement restrictions, and dangerous working conditions. This week, IRC staff could not reach some families in need due to the security situation. However, despite these challenges, the IRC is making every effort to ensure vulnerable communities across Lebanon continue to access the services they depend on.
The IRC calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law by protecting civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers and ensuring safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.
As one of the leading international humanitarian organizations delivering cash assistance in Lebanon, the IRC has provided emergency multipurpose cash assistance to more than 6,200 households since the escalation began, helping displaced families meet urgent needs such as food, shelter, transportation, and medicine while preserving dignity and choice during a time of crisis. In addition to emergency cash assistance, the IRC provides protection and health services for conflict-affected communities.