Since March 1, 2026, Lebanon has been experiencing a new escalation of violence, affecting the South, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Repeated bombings, security instability, and internal displacement are plunging many families into a situation of extreme vulnerability. In this unstable context, Asmae is adapting its operations to protect children, youth, and field teams. Nadeem Khaddaj, Asmae’s Country Director in Lebanon, discusses the situation and the responses that have been implemented.
Nadeem, can you describe the current situation in Lebanon?
The security situation has deteriorated significantly since March 1. Bombings are now affecting several regions, particularly the South, certain areas of the Bekaa Valley, and the outskirts of Beirut.
The country is living under constant threat, with daily airstrikes and massive population displacements. In this context, uncertainty is extremely high, and civilians remain the primary victims, especially since infrastructure is fragile and could be further affected in the future.
What impact does this situation have on families and communities?
Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes, a number that is growing every day as hostilities intensify.
Many families, including Syrians and Palestinians, are now living in tents in various neighborhoods of Beirut due to a lack of access to shelter. As always, communities live in constant anxiety.
Despite their long experience with crises, the succession of events in recent years—economic collapse, the port explosion, and political paralysis—has severely eroded their resilience.
How are Asmae’s teams on the ground holding up?
For now, our teams and their families are safe—that is our top priority.
But everyone is under intense stress. Some colleagues still have family in the south. Others have had to move after losing their homes or being ordered to evacuate their neighborhoods.
Everyone is living with the same uncertainty: never knowing where a strike might occur, whether while traveling or near their homes.
We initially closed the office during the first hours of the escalation, then reopened it for those who can access it safely. The others are working from home to stay close to their families.
We are adapting our operations on a day-to-day basis, depending on security assessments.
And what about Asmae’s partners?
We have been able to contact all of our partners: they are also safe.
Some teams had to be relocated due to the proximity of their offices to targeted areas and are now continuing their work from safer areas of Beirut.
Most of their teams are mobilized in shelters to support displaced families.
We are currently gathering information on their emergency response efforts in order to adjust our projects according to the identified needs.
Can Asmae’s projects continue under these circumstances?
In the areas directly affected, we have had to partially suspend our activities to ensure the safety of children, youth, partners, and our teams.
We are monitoring the situation hour by hour.
If the conflict continues, we will adjust our interventions to address emerging needs, in close coordination with our donors, including the Citi Foundation and AFD, whom we have already informed.
How is Asmae preparing for the coming weeks?
We are moving forward with a balanced approach:
- the safety of our staff remains our top priority,
- while upholding our humanitarian responsibility toward children and youth, particularly those affected by displacement or the loss of access to education.
We are anticipating several scenarios and are ready to refocus or resume our activities as soon as conditions allow.
A final message for the Asmae teams and for those who support you?
We are deeply grateful for the support we receive from the entire Asmae network.
The messages we receive mean a great deal to our colleagues.
We also know that many of you wish to do more.
If opportunities arise to strengthen support for affected families, we will not hesitate to reach out to you.
Thank you again for your solidarity, your willingness to help, and your trust.