The government assumed centralized management of the displacement file from the first moments of escalation, noting that the response began immediately after the events occurred. The official stated, “From the very first moment, we were on the ground. In 24 hours, there were 60,000 displaced persons.”
The official added that the state was able to quickly open hundreds of shelters thanks to proactive plans prepared before the crisis erupted, explaining, “We were able to open 300 centers in a short period because we had been prepared for months.”
The official revealed that the number of registered displaced persons has exceeded one million, stating, “Today we have approximately one million and one hundred thousand displaced persons registered on the platform,” while the number of those residing in shelters does not exceed 135,000, representing only about 15% of the total displaced population. She noted that the majority of the displaced have sought refuge in the homes of relatives or rented accommodation, which increases the pressure on host communities and complicates the humanitarian response.
The official confirmed that the government provides basic necessities in shelters, such as food, water, healthcare, and psychological services, explaining, “We provide everything from bedding and hot meals to medical services and psychological support.” However, she warned that funding represents the biggest challenge, especially given the expansion of needs outside of shelters, stating, “We barely secure funding for shelters… how can we expand further?”
Regarding international aid, the official revealed that Lebanon requested approximately $308 million to cover three months, but the amount secured so far does not exceed 30%, adding, “We are moving month by month without knowing if the funding will continue.” She compared the current situation to the previous war, where the volume of aid reached about $700 million, confirming, “There is no comparison between the size of previous support and the current one.”
The official addressed the impact of the crisis on the education sector, given the conversion of many schools into shelters, noting that proposed solutions include in-person education where possible, remote learning, and the creation of educational centers within displacement sites. She stated, “This is a dangerous problem in the long run… and we must make every possible effort to maintain the level of education in Lebanon.”
The official acknowledged the increasing social and security pressures in areas witnessing high displacement, particularly in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, confirming that security forces have increased their presence to ensure stability. She added, “We do not deny that there are major challenges, but we are working to secure resources and alleviate pressure on host communities.”
In conclusion, the official emphasized that the root solution remains ending the crisis, stating, “We hope this war ends as soon as possible. Lebanon did not choose these conditions nor its people,” warning that its continuation could undermine the economic recovery achieved in the recent period.
