On June 2, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that nearly $640 million is needed to support Lebanon over the next six months. This figure is double the $308 million the UN had requested in March, when conflicts began following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
According to OCHA, only $185 million of the previously requested funds have been disbursed so far. The UN is now asking for an additional $331 million beyond its original target.
Israel continues to expand its military operations in southern Lebanon, citing the need to counter the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militant group. Lebanon's Health Ministry has recorded 3,526 deaths and 10,733 injuries from Israeli attacks since March 2. More than one million people have been forced to flee their homes and remain displaced.
OCHA describes the situation as “grave and deteriorating,” with “repeated displacement, inadequate shelter, and limited safe return options increasing vulnerability.” The agency says people are rapidly running out of coping capacity and essential services are increasingly strained.
Imran Riza, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, stated: “Over the past three months, communities across Lebanon have faced dire conditions due to escalating hostilities. The toll on civilians is alarming and growing.”
Lebanon's economy has worsened as fuel and electricity prices rise due to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran impacting global energy supplies. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, with 62 hospitals damaged or closed. According to OCHA, more than 100 medical workers have been killed in the conflict. The education sector is also severely impacted, with nearly 450 schools being used as shelters for the displaced, leading to rising dropout rates.
Politically, Hezbollah has rejected a conditional ceasefire agreement between Lebanese and Israeli representatives reached in Washington on June 1. Instead, the group demands a comprehensive ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.
