The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) expresses its deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, which has resulted in a significant loss of life, injury, and displacement. 

Lebanese Ministry of Health reports more than 2,350 killed and more than 10,900 injured, since 8 October 2023. The latest wave of violence follows a year of conflict along the border between Israel and Lebanon, which has been marked by displacement of civilians on both sides.  

For the third consecutive week, Israeli airstrikes have continued to target densely populated areas across Lebanon, driving waves of displacement and further exacerbating the needs of affected and displaced populations, a situation that has led to immeasurable suffering for countless civilians, destruction of vital infrastructure, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. 

As of 8 October 2024, national authorities estimate more than 1.2 million people have been displaced. Further, 990 public institutions including schools, education centers, and religious places, have been transformed into emergency shelters to welcome displaced individuals.  

JRS shifted its operations and is now focusing on emergency shelter, mental health and psychosocial support,  and relief. As of 25 September, JRS has provided food baskets, hygiene kits, mattresses, and pillows in several locations reaching more than 5500 individuals.  

Migrants in Lebanon have been refused access into the government run emergency shelters. In response, the JRS Arrupe Migrant Center (AMC) opened shelters for displaced migrants. JRS currently manages two shelters, and quickly transformed to respond to immediate and urgent needs.  

Through this new crisis, JRS will continue to work on reconciliation and social cohesion to ensure refugees and migrants are accepted and included into the social fabric of Lebanon and not excluded from access to emergency shelters and relief. This is a crisis that impacts all people in Lebanon and requires solidarity with the most vulnerable regardless of their origins, religion or legal status. 

Specifically, we call for:  

• An immediate ceasefire. JRS calls all parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region. A ceasefire is vital to protect civilian lives and to allow for humanitarian assistance to reach those in desperate need. 

• Understanding the regional dimension of the crisis. The ongoing crisis in Lebanon transcends its borders, representing a significant regional challenge that demands immediate attention and coordinated action from the international community.   

• Respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL). JRS urges the parties to respect IHL, which includes the principles of proportionality and distinction between combatants and non-combatants, and the protection of civilians, sick and wounded, medical personnel, humanitarian personnel as well as civilian infrastructures, such as hospitals, schools, airport and other transport routes, ambulances, and warehouses and trucks for the delivery of aid to all the vulnerable communities. 

• Duty of care. JRS calls on our donors to be flexible with their donations so we can support our staff and the people we serve with relocation, basic assistance, and mental health and psychosocial support. JRS has a duty of care to its staff and the people we serve in this extremely difficult situation.