Emergency Response — Lebanon Escalation from 2 March 2026 · For External Coordination
Day 14 of escalation. 2,111 hostility incidents recorded since 2 March. Airstrikes ongoing across South Lebanon, Beirut suburbs, and Bekaa.
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Section 01
Contextual Update
Lebanon health emergency indicators as of 24 March 2026 · Day 23 of escalation
Total Killed
1,072
+33 in 24hrs
Total Injured
2,966
+90 in 24hrs
Total IDPs
1,162K
Self-registered
In Shelters
134,921
34,102 families · 657 shelters
Children Killed
121
12% of total casualties
Hostility Incidents
3,646
Since 2 March
WHO Health Emergency Sitrep #13 · 24 Mar 2026DRM · 23 Mar 2026MoPH-PHEOC · 24 Mar 2026
Overall Situation
As of 24 March 2026 · Day 23
Lebanon has witnessed intensified airstrikes across the country in the past four days, including in the south and Beirut, alongside expanded ground operations concentrated primarily in southern areas. Hostilities have also expanded geographically, with strikes reported in areas not previously affected, including locations north of Beirut — marking a notable shift in the conflict's spread. Total casualties since 2 March: 1,072 killed and 2,966 injured.
A major development on 24 March: plans announced to establish a "buffer zone" extending up to the Litani River, potentially encompassing around 10% of Lebanese territory. This marks one of the most severe escalations since early March and raises growing concerns about the risk of prolonged occupation. Key infrastructure including bridges, roads, and buildings has been systematically damaged, significantly restricting movement and access.
64 attacks on healthcare recorded since 2 March — 91 injuries, 53 deaths, 9 hospitals damaged, 5 closed, 4 PHCCs damaged, 50 PHCCs closed. 192 PHCs linked to 649 shelters, with 27,969 consultations provided to IDPs. 53% of IDPs in shelters are female, including 675 pregnant and 895 lactating women. 12,200 pregnant women among displaced population.
Total displaced: 1,162,237 (as of 23 March). 134,921 IDPs in 657 collective shelters. Vulnerable groups in shelters: 7,100 older persons, 2,014 persons with disabilities, 675 pregnant women, 895 lactating women. Total hostility incidents: 3,646 since 2 March 2026.
Humanitarian Response Snapshot
Multi-sector · As of 24 Mar 2026
Food Security
1,277,708 hot meals distributed, averaging 125,000 meals/day. 38,314 Ready-to-Eat kits distributed to support families with immediate food needs.
Shelter & NFI
92,460 mattresses, 111,667 blankets, 51,414 sleeping mats, 32,526 pillows, ~10,389 solar lamps and 9,434 jerry cans distributed. 441 collective sites assigned to shelter partners.
Health
192 PHCs linked to 649 shelters. 27,969 IDPs served with consultations. 18,028 individuals received medications. 575 shelters receiving WASH assistance. 81 PHCs with psychiatric support.
Protection & GBV
22,754 displaced people reached with protection services. 4,403 dignity kits distributed. GBV Safety Audit in 93 sites. 497 of 649 shelters (77%) covered by Protection/CP/GBV actors.
WASH
575 shelters receiving WASH assistance. 32,359 hygiene kits and 19,965 menstrual hygiene kits distributed. 590,242 litres of bottled drinking water delivered.
Funding
Flash Appeal: $308.3M total — only 6% funded (~$19M in FTS). Key pledges: Germany $49.9M · Italy $11.5M · Switzerland $7.5M · Canada CAD 10M · Norway $2.5M.
Section 02
Projects, Funding & Beneficiaries
ABAAD's emergency response funding overview as of 26 March 2026
Emergency Response Plan
March 2026
In response to the escalating armed conflict in Lebanon, ABAAD has activated an emergency response focused on two core pillars: GBV service provision for conflict-affected communities, and technical capacity building for frontliners. ABAAD is leveraging its grassroots presence and over 14 years of expertise to deliver life-saving protection services across collective shelters and displacement-affected communities nationwide.
The response integrates gender audits in collective shelters, psychosocial support, GBV case management, emergency safe sheltering for high-risk survivors, community mobilization, and capacity building for frontline responders. Services are delivered in-person and remotely in alignment with access constraints and the evolving security situation. ABAAD is also leveraging its national resource centre mandate to strengthen the broader protection ecosystem through technical assistance and coordination with the Protection Cluster and GBV Sub-Cluster.
Funding Overview
All streams · March 2026
New Emergency
Diakonia · NCA · Equimundo · NPA
Total Raised
$248,000 USD
confirmed · 26 March 2026
Target Beneficiaries
2,490
Total
1,867
Women
249
Girls
125
Men
249
Boys
Funding agreements are being finalised. Amounts will be updated as confirmed.
Activities on the Ground
March 2026
Gender Audits & Shelter Safety
Rapid gender-sensitive audits in collective shelters to identify GBV risks, privacy gaps, and protection vulnerabilities. Findings drive immediate low-cost improvements including lighting, privacy partitions, and signage for safe spaces and reporting channels.
Capacity Building & Accompaniment
On-the-ground coaching for MoSA social workers and shelter staff on GBV case management, CMR procedures, PSEA standards, and safeguarding. Includes structured follow-up and practical tools to support application in real-time emergency conditions.
Community Awareness & PSS
Structured sensitization sessions with displaced populations on PSEA, GBV prevention, child protection, SRHR, and psychological first aid. Delivered through group discussions, Hakawati storytelling, and participatory exercises — including dedicated couples sessions promoting constructive communication and equitable household dynamics.
Child-Friendly Spaces
Dedicated safe spaces for children during adult sessions, offering recreational activities, arts-based expression, and psychosocial support — enabling parents to participate fully while ensuring children have a structured, supportive environment.
Protection Kit Distributions
Distribution of protection items to displaced populations and event participants. All items carry ABAAD's hotline numbers — GBV Emergency Safe Line (+961 81 78 81 78), Safe Shelter Line (+961 76 06 06 02), and Men Centre Helpline (+961 71 28 38 20) — ensuring every kit distributed is a direct pathway to lifesaving support.
Source: Protection Sector GeoSplit Exercise · 16 March 2026
Section 04
Safeguarding & Accountability
ABAAD's approach to PSEA, AAP, and gender and protection mainstreaming
ABAAD's Commitment
As a leading feminist organization in the MENA region with over 20 years of experience in GBV prevention and response, ABAAD applies rigorous protection standards across all interventions. Safeguarding and accountability are not add-ons — they are embedded in every aspect of our programming. ABAAD maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and misconduct by any staff member or volunteer.
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PSEA
All staff and volunteers sign a Code of Conduct before deployment. Dedicated PSEA Focal Point designated for every emergency response. Any reported concern is handled through ABAAD's confidential referral pathway.
Communities are systematically informed of their rights and available reporting channels at the start of every activity. Two-way communication is maintained — ABAAD field teams proactively share information on services, entitlements, and feedback pathways. Approach is gender-sensitive, age-appropriate, and disability-inclusive.
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Gender & Protection Mainstreaming
Gender audits conducted at all shelter sites to assess gender-responsiveness. Sensitization delivered to shelter staff on GBV risks and safe referral. ABAAD advocates for privacy and dignity of women and girls including physical adaptations (partitioning, safe spaces). Coordinates with Protection Cluster and GBV Sub-Cluster.
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Code of Conduct Status
All staff have signed the Code of Conduct prior to deployment.
All reports are handled safely and confidentially. Reporting will never affect a person's access to assistance or services. Anonymous reporting is available.
🔒 Internal Use Only — Do Not Share Externally
Section 06
Safeguarding & Accountability — Internal Tracker
Weekly operational status of PSEA and AAP mechanisms, incidents reported, and community feedback. For field guidance refer to Section 08 · MEAL Package.
✓ Available in all ABAAD centers + 1 portable for field activities
CFM Hotline operational (81 696 575)
✓ Yes
Beneficiaries informed of CFM channels
✓ Yes
6.2 — Incidents Reported This Week
#
Date
Location
Nature of Concern
Action Taken
Status
✓ No incidents reported this week — update if needed
6.3 — AAP · Community Feedback This Week
Channel
Count
Total feedback received this week
0
Via complaint box
—
Via hotline (81 696 575)
—
Via email (accountability@abaadmena.org)
—
Via staff / direct
—
Main themes raised by communities
N/A
Actions taken in response
N/A
Pending follow-up items
None
6.4 — Key Reminders for Field Staff
PSEA Key Principles (ABAAD Field Guide)
Treat all community members with respect and dignity. Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, or misconduct. Maintain confidentiality of all beneficiary information at all times. Do not promise assistance you cannot deliver. Any inappropriate activity or relationship with anyone under 18 is strictly prohibited.
If a concern is reported: listen without judgment, do NOT investigate, record confidentially, and inform the PSEA Focal Point immediately.
Red Flags Requests for money or favours in exchange for aid · Community members expressing fear of reporting · Preferential treatment during assistance.
Report to: Hotline 81 696 575 · accountability@abaadmena.org · Comment Boxes · Any ABAAD Staff
6.5 — PSEA Reference Documents
All PSEA policy, awareness, and operational materials used in this emergency response. Policy and investigation documents are for internal reference only. Arabic materials are for field dissemination.
Policy & Procedures
PSEA Policy (MOS-PSEA)
Minimum Operating Standards · Protection from SEA by own Personnel · Adapted from UN SG Bulletin
Staff responsibilities and organizational standards for communications during armed conflict and crisis · March 2026
11.1 — Reference Documents
All staff must be familiar with these documents before conducting any public-facing activity, posting on social media, or communicating on behalf of ABAAD during the emergency response period.
Internal Communications Guidelines (EN)
Communication During Armed Conflict or Crises in Lebanon · March 2026 · Internal Document
Prioritize the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of civilians affected by conflict.
IMPARTIALITY
Services delivered based on need alone, without discrimination.
NEUTRALITY
ABAAD does not take sides. Communications must not endorse political actors or attribute intent to armed parties.
INDEPENDENCE
Humanitarian action is independent from political, economic, or military objectives.
Digital Conduct: Staff must not publicly express political positions on matters related to the conflict — on official ABAAD channels or personal social media accounts where they are identifiable as ABAAD representatives.
11.3 — Reporting a Communications Concern
If you observe communications that could endanger beneficiaries or staff, compromise neutrality, violate humanitarian principles, or put the organization at risk — report it.
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Hotline
+961 81 696 575
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In Person
Accountability & PSEA Coordinator
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Anonymous
ABAAD virtual comment box
All submissions are treated with strict confidentiality. The identity of the reporting person will not be disclosed at any stage.
11.4 — Visibility Guidelines
Rules governing when and how ABAAD's name, logo, and branding may be used in the context of this emergency response. All external visibility materials must be cleared before publication.
Core Rules
BRANDING
ABAAD's logo and name may only appear on materials approved by the Communications team. Do not co-brand with political actors or military entities.
PHOTOGRAPHY & FIELD CONTENT
No photos of beneficiaries, shelter interiors, or staff in the field may be published without explicit consent and Communications approval.
DONOR VISIBILITY
Donor logos and acknowledgement lines must appear on all externally published materials as specified in the grant agreement. Verify requirements with the Grants team before publishing.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Only designated Communications staff may post on ABAAD's official channels. Staff personal posts mentioning ABAAD must follow the Internal Communications Guidelines.
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Internal Access Only
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