The United Nations has reported that acute food insecurity is affecting more than one million people in Lebanon, representing nearly a quarter of the country’s population. The Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Programme, and Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture jointly warned that this figure is projected to increase to 1.15 million by the middle of next year.
The humanitarian crisis stems from two consecutive conflicts spanning less than two years combined with severe economic deterioration. The wars between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, with the most recent conflict beginning in March, have devastated the nation’s economy. Lebanese authorities estimate the combined cost of these conflicts at approximately $27 billion. The most recent fighting displaced over one million people, though displacement figures have decreased to around 300,000 since violence subsided in June.
Economic pressures are compounding the food security crisis. Employment remains scarce, household savings have been exhausted, and debt levels remain elevated. The cost of food, fuel, and other basic necessities continues to strain family budgets significantly. According to a World Food Programme representative, while some households retain limited options such as drawing on savings or borrowing, many families are reaching the end of their financial resources, leaving them vulnerable to any additional shocks.
Lebanon’s recovery efforts face additional obstacles. The country was already struggling to emerge from its worst economic crisis, which began in 2019. A United States-brokered ceasefire framework agreement was signed in June between Israel and Lebanon’s government, though Israeli forces continue to occupy Lebanese territory despite the accord’s provisions for withdrawal. Beirut has been negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but must implement institutional reforms before aid is released.
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