The agreement on the cessation of hostilities has been extended until February 18. However, in the last week, at least 30 civilian casualties have been recorded. Access to over 70 villages in southern Lebanon remains restricted, preventing people from returning home and posing security risks for displaced populations attempting to rebuild their lives. Humanitarian actors continue to face significant access constraints, making it difficult to provide essential aid to affected communities. While the agreement continues to prevent a return to full-scale conflict, localised violence, military operations and security risks persist. The humanitarian response remains strained, with significant funding gaps limiting aid distribution, infrastructure repairs and healthcare services. Food insecurity continues to rise, with 1.65 million people facing crisis-level food shortages and 201,000 in emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4). The destruction of agricultural land, market disruptions and logistical challenges are further deepening Lebanon’s economic crisis, affecting both displaced and host communities. Despite the challenges, humanitarian actors are scaling up response efforts, repairing homes and shelters, providing warm clothes and heat, and restoring essential services. However, with only 58% of the 2024 Flash Appeal met, a sharp increase in funding is needed to meet growing humanitarian demands. Sustained diplomatic efforts and international support will be essential in preventing further deterioration and ensuring a comprehensive path toward recovery and peace in Lebanon.

Over the month of October, World Vision provided humanitarian support to 53,000 people in 35 villages of the West Bank as part of our emergency response.

To enhance flood resilience efforts in Warrap State, the second phase of the World Bank-funded Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project was officially launched last 06 February 2025.

In this issue of the West & Central Africa Newsletter, we highlight the remarkable progress accomplished across our programmes throughout the year 2024, looking back on the trials and celebrating the triumphs.

To repsond to the humanitarian crisis affecting the West Bank, World Vision launched an emergency operation on the 13th of October 2023. Over the past year, we have collaborated with over 300 volunteers and 250 village councils to deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable. To date, we have supported more than 233,000 people.

Lebanon is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis following 14 months of escalating violence. Over 4,000 people have been killed, including 290 children and 790 women, while nearly 1.2 million people have been displaced. Despite a 60-day cessation of hostilities, fragile security conditions prevent over 160,900 people from returning home. Many remain in temporary shelters, facing destroyed infrastructure and limited access to basic services. Nearly 100,000 homes have been fully or severely damaged, rendering thousands homeless and exacerbating vulnerabilities among at-risk populations.

World Vision welcomes ceasefire as glimmer of hope, but warns humanitarian situation remains catastrophic