Finland will allocate €2 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon amid a rapidly worsening displacement crisis. The funds, directed through the UN Refugee Agency, are intended to support refugees and internally displaced people across the country as the population struggles to cope with ongoing violence and a collapsing service infrastructure.
Since 28 February, the region has seen a sharp escalation in conflict following strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran. More than 4,500 lives have been lost across affected areas, with over 3,000 casualties reported in Iran. Lebanese authorities have confirmed over 1,090 deaths in their territory since early March. Airstrikes and military operations have continued in recent days, including attacks in Tehran and southern Lebanon, intensifying the pressure on local communities.
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has deteriorated at unprecedented speed. More than one million people, approximately 18 percent of the national population, have been displaced in the span of a few weeks. Many are sheltering in overcrowded facilities, while others sleep in streets, vehicles, and public spaces as existing accommodations reach capacity. At least 250,000 individuals have fled the country, with more than 125,000 crossing into Syria to seek safety.
This wave of displacement follows extended evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces, covering large areas of southern Lebanon. The designated evacuation zone stretches from the Litani River to regions north of the Zahrani River, encompassing over 100 towns and villages. The destruction of bridges across the Litani River has severely limited civilian movement and access to safer areas.
Ville Tavio, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, described the situation as rapidly deteriorating. He emphasized that UNHCR support focuses on the most vulnerable groups, including families with children and people with disabilities, providing accommodation and basic necessities. Finnish aid will target emergency needs such as shelter, food, and essential supplies, as humanitarian agencies scale up operations in response to rising demand.
Israeli officials have stated plans to occupy parts of southern Lebanon. Defence Minister Israel Katz indicated that forces would control territory up to the Litani River, framing the area as a buffer zone. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that strikes in Lebanon and Iran will continue, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested redefining the Litani River as Israel’s border.
International reactions have called for restraint. Canada’s foreign ministry emphasized respect for Lebanese sovereignty and compliance with international law. France warned that a ground operation would worsen humanitarian conditions, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as “out of control,” urging an immediate halt to escalation.
Human rights groups have documented alarming developments on the ground. Human Rights Watch verified multiple instances of white phosphorus use in populated areas of southern Lebanon. The substance ignites on contact with air, causing severe burns, and its deployment in civilian zones constitutes a breach of international humanitarian law. The attacks have also destroyed farmland, displacing additional communities and worsening food insecurity.
Finland has maintained a consistent humanitarian presence in the region. Earlier in 2026, the government provided roughly €19 million in flexible humanitarian funding to agencies responding to crises in Lebanon and surrounding countries. Contributions through international emergency funds have directed €15.5 million to operations within Lebanon specifically. Finnish support extends to local and international organizations, including the UN Refugee Agency, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, and Plan International Finland, reinforcing emergency response and relief efforts.
