As violence intensifies in Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people are being displaced around the country, prompting humanitarian organizations to respond urgently to growing needs for shelter, food, and psycho-social support.
By Giada Aquilino and Fr Mark Robin Destura RCJ Over 1,000 people have been killed in Iran as the United States and Israel continue to carry out strikes on the nation, bombing government, military and civilian infrastructure. Hundreds more have been wounded and tens of thousands displaced since the joint attack began on Saturday. The conflict continues to spread with intensified Israeli attacks on Lebanon while Iranian retaliatory strikes continue in the Gulf, escalating tensions in the Middle East and exacerbating divisions across the globe. Speaking to Vatican News' Giada Aquilino, Father Daniel Corrou, SJ, regional director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) for the Middle East and North Africa described a rapidly deteriorating situation as attacks continue in and around the Lebanese capital. Hundreds of thousands displaced According to Father Corrou, the violence has forced large numbers of people to flee their homes, particularly from southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. Many are now seeking refuge in the capital. “We are seeing probably several hundred thousand people being displaced from southern Lebanon and from south Beirut,” he explained, noting that official numbers are still being confirmed. In response, the Lebanese government has opened hundreds of temporary shelters, converting public schools into emergency accommodation for displaced families. However, these facilities are already overwhelmed. “Over 300 public schools have been transformed into shelters, and we know that those are completely full,” he said. Church shelters assist migrant workers While many Lebanese families have found shelter in government facilities, migrant workers and non-Lebanese residents have faced additional challenges accessing assistance. Father Corrou noted that although official policy does not exclude foreign nationals from public shelters, many migrant workers are reportedly being turned away. “We are hearing that migrant workers - non-Lebanese - are not being allowed into the government shelters. That is not the official policy, but in reality they are not being admitted,” he said. In response, JRS and local Church communities have reopened shelters originally established during the previous conflict in 2024. These spaces are now welcoming migrants and refugees from countries including the Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. Humanitarian response shifts to emergency mode Normally focused on education programs for refugees and migrants, JRS has shifted its activities to address the immediate humanitarian crisis. “We have maintained our mental health and psychosocial support programs, but our education programs are suspended because schools are closed,” Father Corrou explained. “We have shifted our staff from education centers into migrant shelters.” The most urgent needs at present, he said, are safe shelter, sanitation, and food for displaced families. Appeal for peace and diplomacy Despite the uncertainty and fear created by the violence, many displaced families remain hopeful that they will eventually return to their homes. “Lebanese people love their land and want to live on it in peace,” Father Corrou said, adding that safety remains the key concern for those hoping to return. He welcomed the prayer appeal made by Pope Leo for peace in the Middle East, saying the Pope’s words were warmly received by local communities. “We continue to pray with him,” Father Corrou said, expressing hope that international leaders will listen to calls for peace. His appeal, he added, “is for the violence to stop here, for diplomacy to resume, for there to be open negotiations about the future of relations between different countries, that government leaders take the needs of their people seriously.” “People need peace and stability so they can take care of their families, build civil society, and live together in the rich religious and cultural diversity that characterizes this region,” he said. “They need to be able to live in peace and stability.”