By Good Shepherd Mission Development Office Lebanon (Province of Lebanon/Syria)
Since the renewed escalation at the beginning of March, Lebanon has been facing an ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe. At least 2,294 people have lost their lives—including over 177 children, as well as many members of the Red Cross, Civil Defense, and military personnel—while more than 7,185 have been injured.
Displacement continues to surge, now exceeding 1,2 million de personnes, as shelters overflow beyond capacity and many families are left with no option but to remain on the streets. Entire communities have been uprooted, while some areas—particularly Christian villages in the South—remain cut off, with extremely limited access to food, medicine, and basic necessities.
The escalation shows no sign of slowing. Just last week, on Wednesday 8 April, multiple cities across Lebanon were struck without warning, as over 160 missiles were launched within minutes, causing widespread destruction and the loss of hundreds of civilian lives.
Amid this devastation, early negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli governments have begun—offering a fragile hope that dialogue may help ease the suffering of a population pushed to its limits.
Displacement Without End
In the Metn region, where teams continue to visit displaced families, Sister Micheline describes a reality that is no longer temporary, but ongoing:
''What was once thought to be a short-term displacement has, for many, become a lasting condition. Families who fled during the 2024 war remain unable to return to homes that no longer exist, now sharing overcrowded shelters with newly displaced families.
Entire households are confined to a single room, living with restricted movement and constant noise. Children struggle to focus, to study, or even to rest, and many spend long hours alone—deepening their sense of isolation.
The fatigue is etched into their faces, raw and bone-deep. This crisis has stretched on so long that the world has tilted off its axis; they are drifting, completely unmoored. Every day feels like a blurred, static-filled loop, and the path forward has vanished entirely, leaving them fraying at the edges—shattered, exhausted, and barely holding on. »
Responding with Care and Coordination
In response to these growing and complex needs, Sister Amira, working closely with the team of Antelias’ Diocese, continues to strengthen coordination on the ground:
''Families are welcomed, registered, and carefully assessed so that each person can be guided toward the support they require. From access to medical care and essential medications to the continuation of education for children, efforts are made to restore a sense of structure in the midst of disruption.
Hygiene kits and food parcels are distributed regularly, helping families meet their most immediate needs. At the same time, outreach continues to expand—reaching newly displaced populations, while also preparing support for those who remain in hard-to-access and isolated areas. »
''In love, we share all we have and are, for all is gift. »
— St. Mary Euphrasia
The Hidden Weight of Survival
Beyond the visible destruction lies a quieter, heavier burden.
Families arrive having lost not only their homes, but also the small details that hold daily life together—medical prescriptions, identification papers, and any sense of continuity. For those living with chronic illnesses, interruptions in treatment pose serious risks, while pregnant women and the elderly face increasing vulnerability.
In many spaces, parents appear overwhelmed, struggling to navigate unfamiliar environments and constant uncertainty. Children, exposed to instability and fear, show signs of deep distress—whether through illness, withdrawal, or difficulty adapting to their new reality.
The crisis is not only testing access to resources, but also resilience, dignity, and the ability to endure.
A Story from the Ground
Behind the broader reality, each family carries its own story of loss, confusion, and resilience. One moment, one space, can reveal what words often cannot.
After the blast took her husband, Zeina found herself in a state of suspended animation. The shock felt less like a sharp pain and more like a heavy fog that made every movement feel slow and unnecessary.
Her three-year-old son, however, reacted with a focused, quiet intensity. He climbed onto his father’s side of the bed and stayed there. He didn’t throw a tantrum or ask questions he didn’t have the words for; he simply occupied the space his father had left behind.
For nearly an entire day, the toddler refused to move. He wouldn’t eat the food Zeina brought him or play with his toys. He sat perched on the mattress, watching the door, seemingly caught in a state of instinctive waiting. He appeared to understand that something fundamental had shifted, yet he remained there as if his presence alone might hold the spot open for his father’s return. In the quiet of the house, Zeina watched him—two generations of a family dealing with a loss that neither was quite ready to name.
Holding On, Together
Across all regions, one truth continues to emerge: this is no longer a short-term emergency, but a prolonged struggle for stability and dignity.
And yet, even in the midst of exhaustion and loss, there are quiet signs of solidarity—people sharing what little they have, communities opening their doors, and teams continuing their work despite the strain.
The response continues, step by step, guided by the belief that no one should face this crisis alone.
As these updates were being finalized, a ceasefire came into effect in Lebanon. We hold on to the hope that this may mark the beginning of a more stable and peaceful period for all.
Soutenez notre intervention d'urgence « Good Shepherd » au Liban par l'intermédiaire du GSIF ; votre aide fera toute la différence pour les familles déplacées qui ont un besoin urgent d'aide : www.gsif.it/crisis-lebanon
