Urgent Call for Humanitarian Aid
World Vision is deeply alarmed by the recent surge in airstrikes across Lebanon. More than 100 airstrikes were reported in multiple areas already experiencing rising displacement. This latest escalation places vulnerable children and families at immediate and increasing risk of harm. Lebanese authorities and emergency responders have described the situation as catastrophic.n
The Ministry of Public Health reported that at least 89 people were killed and over 700 wounded in the airstrikes on 8 April. The Lebanese Red Cross has deployed over 100 ambulances nationwide to assist the wounded. This adds to an already devastating toll.n
Since the escalation began on 2 March, more than 1,500 people, including at least 130 children, have been killed. Over 4,600 have been injured. Intensifying airstrikes in densely populated areas of Beirut, the Bekaa, and southern Lebanon are forcing families to flee their homes repeatedly. They seek safety in overcrowded shelters, on the streets, in tents and cars, or with host communities already under strain.n
Impact on Vulnerable Populationsn
In southern Lebanon, damage to critical infrastructure such as bridges, schools, and health facilities restricts movement and isolates communities from essential goods, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance. Children are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Many have been displaced multiple times, exposed to ongoing trauma, and cut off from safe and familiar environments.n
More than one million people, including over 390,000 children, are now displaced. Disruptions to education, lack of safe spaces, and growing pressure on families heighten risks of psychosocial distress, abuse, and exploitation. Humanitarian access remains severely constrained due to insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and movement restrictions, limiting the ability of organisations such as World Vision to reach those most in need.n
Essential services, including access to healthcare, clean water, education, and child protection, are under extreme pressure. World Vision urgently calls on all parties to immediately de-escalate hostilities and work towards lasting peace. They emphasise the importance of protecting children, families, healthcare workers, paramedics, and civilian infrastructure at all times, in line with International Humanitarian Law.n
Heidi Diedrich, National Director of World Vision Lebanon, stated, “This latest escalation is devastating for children who have already faced far too much. From Beirut to the Bekaa and the South of the country, children are living through fear, displacement, and loss. For children who have already endured years of crises, this latest escalation is compounding fear, uncertainty, and trauma.”n
World Vision continues to deliver life-saving assistance to over 141,000 displaced individuals since 2 March. However, they emphasise the need for urgent and sustained international support to ensure the safety and dignity of every child.
Last updated: 10 April 2026, 6:19 am
