Islamic Relief is supporting families in Lebanon who have been affected by ongoing violence since 8 October 2023.

On 8 October 2023, Lebanon was drawn into devastating violence following a rapid escalation in Israeli attacks. The country faced relentless bombardment, with airstrikes destroying homes, displacing families, and leaving communities struggling to survive. More than 4,285 people have been killed, and over 7,000 injured.

Despite a ceasefire in November 2024, bombings have continued. More than 85,000 people remain displaced. They are seeking safety wherever they can, often in overcrowded schools, mosques, residing with relatives and unfinished buildings.

Families who were already unable to afford food, medicine, or rent now face an additional catastrophe. The combination of poverty, inflation, and conflict has pushed countless households to the brink of survival.

A daily battle for survival

In the Beqaa Valley, families who once managed to scrape by are now facing impossible choices. Children are leaving school to work, some as young as 10.

Fatima, a widow with 3 children, is trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair.

The family’s financial situation worsened after her husband’s death, with basic necessities such as food and heating often out of reach.

Winter is the hardest season for families like Fatima’s, with long nights and only thin blankets which offer meagre protection from the bitter cold

“My children go to school hungry, and I can’t even promise them a warm night’s sleep. I feel I’m failing them in everything – food, warmth, even their future. I don’t know how to face this winter,” Fatima shares, her voice shaky.

Islamic Relief’s response in Lebanon

Since the beginning of this escalation, Islamic Relief has been working tirelessly to deliver urgent humanitarian aid in some of the hardest-hit areas.

With the support of our donors, we have donated items such as blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, mats and buckets to displaced people and returnees. These items help bring back some normalcy in their lives. We also support hospitals by providing medicine and medical supplies.

We have supported more than 500,000 people, but many more remain in urgent need of assistance.

A call for urgent action

Lebanon is in urgent need of infrastructural and rehabilitation support, along with the immediate needs of families who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services.

“Despite 2 years passing since the conflict began, the scars of war remain painfully visible. The violence, combined with Lebanon’s deep economic crisis, means the population is now standing on the edge of a humanitarian disaster.

“Urgent support is desperately needed to help families meet their most basic needs and to restore a sense of dignity and hope,” says Akram Sadeq, Islamic Relief Lebanon’s Country Director.

With your generosity, we can continue to be a lifeline for families in desperate need, bringing food, shelter, medical care, and dignity to those who have lost everything.