Beirut, January 7, 2025– Today, the United Nations and the Government of Lebanon issued a $371.4 million extension of the Lebanon Flash Appeal, aiming to provide life-saving assistance to civilians affected by the recent conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Announced at the Grand Serail in Beirut by Deputy Prime Minister Saade el-Shami and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, the appeal extends emergency efforts, covering the period from January to March 2025.
Building on the Flash Appeal initially launched in October 2024, this extension seeks to support Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and migrants most affected by the crisis. It complements the Lebanon Response Plan (LRP) by addressing immediate humanitarian needs while the LRP serves as the primary framework for humanitarian and stabilization responses in the country.
“The Government of Lebanon remains committed to leading a coordinated, transparent and accountable response,” said Deputy Prime Minister Saade el-Shami. “Our aim is to focus together on bridging immediate humanitarian needs with long-term recovery planning, in the most efficient and transparent way. However, the scale of this crisis exceeds the resources available, underscoring the necessity of robust international support to sustain and expand these efforts.”
The conflict, which began in October 2023 and intensified over a devastating six-week period from late September to early November 2024, caused over 4,000 deaths, 16,000 injuries, and displaced more than 1 million people. It has left hundreds of thousands struggling to return to their homes amidst extensive destruction of buildings, essential infrastructure and services.
“While the cessation of hostilities offers hope, over 125,000 people remain displaced, and hundreds of thousands more face immense challenges rebuilding their lives. An additional $371.4 million is urgently required to sustain life-saving efforts and prevent further deterioration of an already dire situation,” warned Imran Riza, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon.
The extended appeal prioritizes food assistance, winterization support, emergency repairs, and protection of civilians, while addressing gaps in healthcare, water, and education infrastructure.
Minister of Environment and Coordinator of the Government Emergency Committee, Nasser Yassin, said: “While additional humanitarian assistance is essential, Lebanon’s institutions and public sector also require significant support to prevent the collapse of basic and social services and address the urgent needs of citizens. Similarly, municipalities and local authorities urgently need emergency funding to maintain their operations, given their frontline role and the heavy burden they bear as a result of the war.”
As Lebanon continues to grapple with the aftermath of the conflict, the Lebanese government and the humanitarian community urge the international community to step up their support. Sustained funding and resources are essential to stabilize the situation, deliver aid to those in need, and enable Lebanon’s recovery from one of the darkest chapters in its modern history.