Partial Ceasefire Leaves Lebanon Behind as Humanitarian Risks Surge

April 08, 2026

Mercy Corps welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in parts of the Middle East as a critical step to prevent continued escalation of violence. For communities enduring months of conflict, this pause offers an extremely fragile window to deliver urgently needed assistance. However, this ceasefire remains incomplete. 

Arnaud Quemin, Mercy Corps Vice President for the Middle East, said: 
 
“A temporary halt in fighting offers only a brief window of relief for millions across the region who have borne the brunt of this war. Yet Lebanon continues to pay the highest price and is not included in the ceasefire agreement. Devastating bombardments have continued today in crowded areas of Beirut, the Bekaa valley, and the south, killing and injuring hundreds. Without a sustained, region-wide ceasefire, civilians will remain at grave risk and humanitarian needs will escalate.” 

In Lebanon, violence continues to intensify, driving widespread displacement and mounting damage to civilian infrastructure. Strikes are increasingly affecting densely populated areas and essential services, deepening humanitarian needs. Hundreds of thousands more may be forced from their homes, straining shelter capacity, disrupting education, and placing growing pressure on host communities and basic services.  

At the same time, the country’s fragile economy and public systems are under severe stress, with access to fuel, food, healthcare, and electricity becoming more precarious. A prolonged or expanded conflict risks pushing essential systems beyond their limits and accelerating an already severe humanitarian crisis.  

Mercy Corps calls on all parties to extend the ceasefire to Lebanon and commit to a sustained, region-wide cessation of hostilities. Civilians must be protected, and humanitarian organizations must be able to operate safely and without obstruction. 

A ceasefire that excludes Lebanon leaves millions at risk. A comprehensive and lasting agreement is urgently needed now. 

Notes to Editors 

  • Rising global fuel costs are adding new pressure to Lebanon’s already fragile economy, with fuel shocks alone expected to push inflation up by a further 8–10%. With families already spending the equivalent of 141% of their income to meet their needs, higher transport, food, and energy costs mean deeper debt, skipped meals, and difficult choices between essentials like medicine, education, and heating. (See latest Mercy Corps Lebanon Crisis Analysis report) 

  • Escalating airstrikes and the destruction of critical infrastructure in southern Lebanon are driving a worsening displacement crisis, with over one million people forced from their homes. An estimated 150,000 people remain cut off in hard-to-reach areas, while those fleeing face growing danger as strikes hit roads, bridges, and populated areas they rely on for safety.  

  • Attacks on healthcare workers and aid infrastructure are severely undermining access to life-saving care, with more than 160 incidents reported and at least 57 emergency medical technicians killed, and 48 ambulances destroyed. These attacks have forced the closure of six hospitals and 49 health clinics, leaving communities with few or no options for treatment (Lebanese Health Ministry).This means injuries go untreated, chronic conditions worsen, and preventable deaths rise—highlighting the urgent need to protect healthcare and humanitarian workers and ensure safe access to care. 

  • Pictures from Mercy Corps response in Lebanon, here. 

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