Urgent Report: Hezbollah-Israel Conflict Exacerbates Food Insecurity Crisis in Lebanon – UPI.com

Volunteers prepare food for internally displaced people at a public park in Beirut in October. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA-EFE

In late 2024, the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement in Lebanon. A recent joint study by U.N. agencies and the Lebanese government revealed that 30% of Lebanon’s population now faces acute food insecurity. This includes many vulnerable refugees from Syria and Palestine.

Approximately 1.65 million people, up from 1.26 million before the conflict, are experiencing crisis-level food shortages. About 201,000 of these individuals are in a state of emergency, representing a significant increase.

Malnutrition is a growing concern, particularly among children, young people, and women. A study found that 75% of children under five consume a diet lacking in variety, increasing their risk of stunting and wasting.

The deterioration in food security is tied to the severe impacts of the ongoing conflict and large-scale displacement, which have further strained Lebanon’s fragile economy. Key sectors like trade and tourism are struggling, deepening the country’s existing economic crisis.

The conflict began along the southern Lebanese border in October 2023 when Hezbollah opened a front to support Gaza. Israel responded with intensified attacks, which escalated into a full-scale war.

These attacks caused extensive damage to military and civilian infrastructure, leading to the deaths of key Hezbollah leaders. Villages, hospitals, and schools, particularly in southern and eastern Lebanon, suffered heavy bombings, displacing more than 1.2 million people to safer areas within the country.

A cease-fire on November 27 marked the end of 14 months of fighting, which resulted in over 20,000 casualties. Yet, targeted attacks continued, increasing the toll on civilians in southern Lebanon.

Matthew Hollingworth, a representative from the World Food Program in Lebanon, emphasized that the worsening food situation was predictable. “Two months of intense conflict have devastated lives and livelihoods,” he explained.

The World Bank estimates that the conflict caused around $5.1 billion in losses across various sectors, with significant physical destruction valued at $3.4 billion by the end of October. The agricultural sector suffered direct damages of $125 million and economic losses of $1.1 billion, including the loss of 60,000 olive trees and displacement of farming families.

The commerce sector faced about $1.7 billion in losses, while tourism incurred $1.1 billion due to fewer visitors. Public infrastructure and the environment were also heavily affected.

Displacement and the destruction of agricultural resources have left many struggling to find food. Veronica Quattrola from the Food and Agriculture Organization noted that the violence has severely affected farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural infrastructure, further deepening food insecurity.

Looking ahead, the study suggests that food insecurities will remain high in the coming months, with no immediate return to stable conditions. Continued humanitarian support is vital for recovery.

This year, the World Food Program aims to assist 2.5 million people, including nearly 900,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon. In 2024, they helped around 750,000 displaced individuals with food and cash assistance.