One-quarter of Lebanon’s population faces severe hunger as conflict and displacement mount

Approximately one-quarter of Lebanon’s population is experiencing critical levels of food insecurity, driven by the impact of US-backed Israeli military operations and a wave of mass displacement.

A newly released food security report warns that 1.2 million people in the country will face severe hunger during the period between April and August 2026.

The findings, jointly prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, reveal that roughly one-fourth of Lebanon’s population has reached “crisis” levels of food insecurity, with conditions expected to deteriorate further.

Data indicates a significant surge in food instability. Between November and March, 874,000 people—representing 17% of the population—were in a similar state.

This escalation is linked to Israeli attacks that have destroyed civilian infrastructure and resulted in the displacement of more than one million people.

As Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon, residents are being warned not to return to their homes. Despite a ceasefire declared on April 17, both sides reportedly continue to exchange fire.

Ongoing instability has deeply impacted agricultural activities and rural livelihoods, particularly in the Bekaa Valley and southern regions where Israeli attacks have been most intense. WFP official Allison Oman Lawi warned that previous progress has been reversed, noting that families who were once able to cope are now facing a full-blown crisis.

Analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) shows that households are increasingly struggling to meet basic food needs.

The report notes that many households have resorted to reducing portion sizes, skipping meals, or incurring debt and selling assets in order to survive.

Nora Ourabah Haddad, the FAO Representative, stated that the findings confirm deepening vulnerability and called for urgent support for the agricultural sector. The report cautioned that without sustainable humanitarian aid, food insecurity could intensify in the coming months.

Tensions in the region persist alongside claims in Hebrew-language media that Israeli forces have begun reducing their ground presence in certain areas.

According to these reports, while units are being redeployed, “limited operations” involving the destruction of buildings attributed to Hezbollah and various raids are continuing.

Despite reports of a partial withdrawal, airstrikes and artillery fire are said to be continuing unabated. In areas such as Bint Jbeil, where Lebanese resistance forces are active, Israeli warplanes are reportedly conducting low-altitude flights and continued bombardment.