Caritas MONA urges protection for Lebanon’s civilians after 2024 agreement

After the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Caritas reports extensive internal displacement among Lebanese persists, as tens of thousands of residents are still unable to return to their homes in the South due to ongoing security and safety concerns and the significant infrastructure damage. Reconstruction efforts have been further impeded as construction sites and reconstruction equipment continue to be systematically targeted.

Table of Contents

Caritas MONA urges protection for Lebanon’s civilians

Despite the ceasefire agreement announced between Lebanon and Israel in November 2024, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains critical and highly unstable. Recent escalations, particularly in Southern Lebanon, have reported increased and repeated security incidents. Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks have been documented in villages such as Bint Jbeil, Aita al-Shaab, Maroun al-Ras, Yaroun, and Khiam, damaging homes, farmland, and essential infrastructure.

In addition, the use of agricultural herbicides, specifically glyphosate, at dangerously high concentrations over agricultural land in southern Lebanon, is raising serious alarm for food and environmental security, and public health. This makes the region an uninhabitable zone as already the large majority of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods.

UN entities, including UNOCHA and UNICEF have also alerted of the life-threatening danger posed by unexploded ordnance in South Lebanon, endangering civilians, posing a severe threat to children, and preventing the safe and voluntary return of displaced families. Additionally, the UNIFIL planned preparation to conclude its mission at the end of 2026 is expected to limit employment opportunities and may further increase security risks in the area.

Furthermore, extensive internal displacement among Lebanese persists, as tens of thousands of residents are still unable to return to their homes in the South due to ongoing security and safety concerns and the significant infrastructure damage. Reconstruction efforts have been further impeded as construction sites and reconstruction equipment continue to be systematically targeted.

Caritas calls for the protection of Lebanese civilians, increased diplomatic efforts, and respect for international humanitarian law and for the ceasefire agreement.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4, KJV).

God will continue protecting Lebanon in its challenging and most perilous times. Amidst hardship, Lebanon continues to stand in hope for peace, dignity, and stability for all affected communities. The latter was marked by the visit of Pope Leo XIV, who chose Lebanon as the first country to start his journey as Pope, urging: “Lebanon, stand up!” . “Be a home of justice and fraternity! Be a prophetic sign of peace for the whole of the Levant!”

Although Lebanon is geographically small with a diaspora exceeding the resident population, Lebanese continue to face significant risks and challenges on a daily basis while still standing firm in solidarity and resilience. Caritas calls upon the international community to advocate actively for Lebanon’s recovery. Lebanon must not become a forgotten crisis. Given its long history of conflict and remarkable resilience, it is time that Lebanon achieves lasting peace and regains its economy and renewed strength.

caritas — Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels.com

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.