Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Humanity & Inclusion Calls for Safe Passage and Protection of Vulnerable Groups

HI acknowledges the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and calls on all parties to make it hold. More than six weeks of unrelenting violence have claimed over 2,000 lives in Lebanon, displaced more than one million persons (nearly one in five of the estimated population), and caused immense destruction and suffering. This pause offers a needed respite for affected populations.

Vulnerable people, including older persons and people with disabilities, as well as those newly injured, continue to face significant difficulties in accessing healthcare, rehabilitation, and inclusive services. HI calls for a scaled-up humanitarian response and for safe, unimpeded access for all people in need of humanitarian aid.

As displaced people may begin returning to their homes, HI reminds that explosive ordnance contamination represents a deadly threat to communities, as many munitions, bombs, artillery shells, and rockets failed to detonate during the conflict and remained buried in fields, rubble, homes, and roadsides. Risk education sessions for the population and ordnance clearance operations will be vital to ensure that people can return safely. 

HI Relief Efforts:

Rehabilitation

• As of April 8, 130 people have been supported through 150 rehabilitation sessions. 

• 80 beneficiaries received 100 assistive devices. 

• HI received a list of 28 collective shelters for rehabilitation needs assessment. The assessment will be launched this week, and the needs for rehabilitation services and assistive devices, as well as specific need items, will be addressed in the coming weeks.  

 Sexual and Reproductive Health 

• HI has covered 10 deliveries of pregnant women in Haifa Hospital since the escalation. 

• Plus, 24 successful referrals for deliveries. 

• 518 menstrual hygiene kits & 55 baby kits have already been distributed 

• 120 menstrual hygiene kits are about to be distributed this week. 

• 50 baby kits are to be distributed this week. 

• Total beneficiaries targeted: 1,308, including 574 households for kit distributions. 

 Humanitarian Mine Action 

• Since the beginning of the crisis, 6,500 flyers have been distributed, reaching 1,908 displaced persons. Key messages covered white phosphorus (WP), unexploded ordnance (UXO), thermal balloons, and rubble-related risks. 

• The Clearance Team continues to conduct non-technical surveys and clearance operations in Mount Lebanon. 

Spokespersons are available for interviews upon request.