A Ceasefire That Abandons Lebanon is No Effective Ceasefire

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is alarmed that the two-week ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran does not extend to Lebanon — a country where over 1,500 people have been killed, including at least 130 children, and 1.2 million have been forced from their homes since 2 March. A ceasefire that leaves an entire civilian population under continued bombardment and a ground invasion cannot pave the way to long-term peace. The absence of a ceasefire in Lebanon not only prolongs uncertainty but also risks further displacement, civilian harm, and destruction of critical infrastructure. Families continue to face a difficult choice between death, destruction and displacement.

Contrary to a ceasefire, airstrikes intensified on 8 April with more than a hundred strikes across Lebanon in approximately 10 minutes, making it one of the most violent days of attacks since September 2024. These attacks struck residential areas suddenly and without warning. According to the Lebanese Civil Defense at least 254 people have been killed, 1,165 wounded and many more are still missing or trapped under the rubble. These attacks cause immense harm to civilians and highlight the urgent need for a ceasefire that is meaningfully implemented.

One in five people in Lebanon have been displaced by the conflict, with 80–90% currently outside formal shelters, and many continuing to stay in their homes unable or unwilling to leave. Those seeking safety in collective shelters face overcrowding, lack of privacy, and deteriorating living conditions. Many have lost their livelihoods and their homes and are dependent on humanitarian assistance or limited personal resources while displaced. With over 470 schools serving as shelters, 100,000 children are missing their education. Repeated conflict and displacement are causing psychological distress and long-lasting mental health concerns.

In addition, the destruction of critical, civilian infrastructure including bridges, health clinics and fuel stations further complicates humanitarian access, and impedes people fleeing to safety. Aid cuts continue to pose further challenges with the needs on the ground growing while humanitarian actors’ ability to respond is constrained by resources. DRC teams are on the ground delivering critical assistance. Yet with no ceasefire in sight, the people of Lebanon continue to be left behind by the international community.

Families across Lebanon have been displaced multiple times, forcing them into a vicious cycle of survival, return and rebuilding. An immediate ceasefire is critical to ensure civilian safety and to enable families to return home and begin restoring their lives. The significant destruction across the South and Beirut’s southern suburbs means that families who have remained in targeted areas and those who plan to return will require urgent assistance, as well as long term support for recovery. The international community must recognize that a business-as-usual approach will not suffice, and action must urgently be taken to secure a lasting and effective ceasefire for Lebanon.

DRC calls for:

• The immediate extension of the ceasefire to Lebanon — no civilian population should be excluded from protection.
• All parties to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure, end forced displacement and uphold International Humanitarian Law.
• Guaranteed unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected populations, including those outside formal shelters.
• Ensure non-discriminatory protection — refugees and migrant workers must not be denied aid based on nationality.
• Increased flexible and multi-year funding for the response, ensuring the immediate and longer-term needs of the affected communities are met.