Hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have resumed since 2 March 2026, resulting in more than 1,300 deaths and 3,800 injuries. More than a million people have been displaced in Lebanon as Israel continues to launch airstrikes and issue evacuation orders for entire neighbourhoods and regions in the country. These numbers could rise as ground attacks in the south intensify and a larger ground invasion threatens.
Diaconate CGK helps through MERATH, a partner in Lebanon. This partner and an aid worker give an update on the situation.
Coordinator Tamara gives a brief overview
Through a local network, MERATH in the month of March supported more than 6,000 people. “Hopefully, by doing so, we show them that God cares about them and has not abandoned them,” coordinator Tamara said. Not through us, but through Christ in us.
Helper Carol talks about her experiences
“When the war started on 2 March, I was initially in shock. I was not expecting this. I asked myself, ‘Why is this happening again?’ I started receiving phone calls as soon as the first air raid started, around three in the morning. Everyone was asking for a place to sleep. People were sleeping in the open, by the sea and in the streets. They had nothing to cover themselves with and it was freezing cold. There were children and elderly among them.
I felt really overwhelmed. I thought to myself, ‘People are already struggling financially and unemployed. They need everything. How are we supposed to provide them with food, water, clothes and everything else?’
Food distribution and shelter
Fortunately, MERATH was the first to support us. Less than two days after the crisis started, MERATH was already helping us support displaced families in different locations. Thanks to them, we were in Saida the first night as people were sleeping on the streets there. We also did a food distribution in Jezzine that same night. The next day, we went to a public school in Beirut that had been converted into a shelter housing 120 people, including children with disabilities and the elderly. The school management told us that we were the first to contact them to offer help.
At first, we focused on blankets and mattresses, but soon we received more items from MERATH, such as coats and tracksuits, nappies, sanitary towels, tarpaulins and more. Everything we receive helps us supplement our aid and help families with all their needs during this new crisis. The needs are huge and we really need a lot of support again this time. Our phones are not idle as people call us to ask for help.
numbing feelings
Last time war broke out, people showed a lot of emotions, sadness and fear. This time it is hard to describe, but I feel that people are hopeless and depressed to the extent that they have no emotions. It feels As if people no longer have feelings. As if their minds are frozen. I guess it is to be expected in such difficult and uncertain circumstances, but it is sad to see.
Loving one another in Jesus’ name
In the midst of all this chaos, people try to adapt as best they can, and the help we offer brings them joy and relief. It is on our hearts to help these people because Christ told us that the greatest commandment is to ‘love one another’. As Christians, we are not only supposed to love those closest to us, such as our children or our immediate family members. We are to show His love to everyone. That is our main thrust, and we feel it is the least we can do. It is always a privilege to be able to tell people that we are here because Christ sent us, and that He thinks of them and loves them.”
