South Lebanon Situation Report #1 - August 2024

Escalating hostilities in South Lebanon have displaced over 113,000 people, including 31,655 women of reproductive age and 9,045 adolescent girls. Approximately 1,300 women are currently pregnant, with 146 expected to deliver within the next month. The situation remains volatile along the Blue Line, with daily airstrikes and shelling affecting nearly 150,000 people, half of whom are women. Civilian casualties are rising, with women and children disproportionately affected. Recent airstrikes between 17-23 August killed four civilians, including three children, and injured nine others.

Healthcare services have also been severely impacted. An ambulance was targeted on 20 August, injuring three paramedics, and by the end of August, 21 health workers had been killed, while six public health facilities were forced to close in Bent Jbeil and Marjayoun. Civilian displacement has increased by nearly 10% since early August, and infrastructure in South Lebanon and the Bekaa has been repeatedly targeted. Sonic booms over Beirut and across the country have exacerbated anxiety among the population.

In response, UNFPA has been actively supporting displaced women and girls through sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and gender-based violence (GBV) programming. In August 2024 alone, UNFPA provided SRH awareness sessions to 566 women and girls, medical consultations and midwifery support to 347 women, and subsidized essential medical tests such as ultrasounds, mammograms, and STI screenings. GBV awareness sessions reached 353 women and girls, 174 dignity kits were distributed, and cash assistance was provided for GBV case management. Additionally, UNFPA supported women and girls’ safe spaces in southern regions and launched training for non-GBV humanitarian actors to ensure proper psychological support and safe referrals for survivors of violence.

To address the ongoing crisis, UNFPA is appealing for US$ 19 million, including US$ 6 million specifically for South Lebanon. However, only 20% of the South Lebanon appeal has been funded to date.