Lebanon: CARE launches emergency Call for donations in response to escalating violence in the Middle East

CARE is deeply alarmed by the renewed escalation of conflict in Lebanon. Already vulnerable populations are facing further displacement, loss and trauma. Women and girls are particularly at risk. Present in Lebanon for 20 years, CARE is launching an appeal for donations for Lebanon as its teams on the ground organise emergency distributions.

"We wake up to the sound of bombings."

"This Wednesday morning, we woke up to the sound of numerous bombings in Beirut. Since the beginning of the week, tens of thousands of people terrified by the strikes in several regions of the country are still stranded on the roads. In the capital, many people, including the elderly, are forced to sleep on the pavements. Children are exhausted, dehydrated and terrified after two days of constant stress and displacement. The Lebanese people, who were already struggling to survive due to the economic crisis, are now facing a new ordeal," said Michael Adams, CARE's Director in Lebanon.

The resumption and intensification of strikes in Lebanon, as in several other Middle Eastern countries, are plunging millions of people into anxiety and uncertainty.

In Lebanon, the situation is deteriorating by the hour

In Lebanon, more than 74,000 people have taken refuge in 370 schools that have been converted into emergency shelters. But this is only a small fraction of those who have actually been displaced; even more have fled their homes to stay with relatives, on the streets or in informal buildings.

Bombings, evacuation orders and forced displacement are on the rise. Our teams report:

“I couldn’t sleep all night, staying awake with my two sons as the airstrikes shook our home. This morning, alongside my colleagues, I am preparing the distribution of meals, soap, shampoo, water, mattresses, and other essential items for children who are forced to sleep on the sidewalks with their mothers and fathers. Their fear, their uncertainty, their needs, it drives me to do everything I can," says Hiba Jaber, Gender and Protection Coordinator, CARE International in Lebanon.

“In 2024, I witnessed the horrors of conflict firsthand. Now, I am seeing this happen again, with women and girls forced to escape violence and seek refuge."

adds Nour Kassab, Gender and Protection Coordinator, CARE International in Lebanon.

In this context of unprecedented regional tension, CARE calls on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilian populations and safe, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access.

CARE teams in Lebanon and their partners – six Lebanese associations (Female, GNFF, LOST, RDFL, SIDC, Marsa, Nusaned, Wingwomen) – are mobilising to provide food, water, mattresses, blankets and hygiene kits to displaced families as a matter of priority.

"We are calling for a massive show of solidarity for Lebanon. Every donation counts in supporting the most vulnerable families, especially women and children."

says Adéa Guillot, Engagement Director at CARE France.

Lebanon emergency: CARE provides aid

CARE is one of the world's largest humanitarian NGOs – founded in the aftermath of the Second World War – fighting extreme poverty and violence in 121 countries. CARE defends the rights of women and girls. In the Middle East, CARE is also present in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine (Gaza and the West Bank), Syria, Yemen, ...

CARE has been working in Lebanon for over 20 years, providing essential support to communities in times of crisis. Since 2 March 2026, CARE and our six partners have been organising emergency distributions to help people displaced by the latest bombings.

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