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War Upends Ramadan in Lebanon and Gaza, Turning Eid Preparations Into a Struggle

Lebanon reports over 1 million displaced with 968 dead, highlighting relief shortfalls.

Displaced children who fled Israeli strikes from south Lebanon, take part in activities at a school turned shelter, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Displaced women who fled Israeli strikes from south Lebanon, wash their laundries at a school playground turned into a shelter, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Displaced people who fled Israeli strikes from south Lebanon, gather for iftar, the Ramadan fast-breaking meal, at a school playground turned into a shelter, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Monday, March 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Displaced children who fled Israeli strikes from south Lebanon, take part in activities at a school turned shelter, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Overview

  • Lebanese authorities say Israeli strikes have driven more than 1 million people from their homes, with the health ministry reporting 968 deaths since hostilities with Hezbollah resumed.
  • Displaced families are sheltering in schools, a Beirut stadium, and along seafronts, where aid groups provide medical care, blankets, and iftar meals.
  • The World Food Programme says it has served more than 500,000 hot meals in Lebanon since March 2 as officials warn that funding and needs are out of balance.
  • Israeli evacuation orders for Beirut’s southern suburbs and intensified bombardment have scattered families and disrupted Ramadan worship and gatherings.
  • In Gaza, closures of border crossings after February’s regional flare-up pushed up prices and caused shortages, forcing households to improvise Eid baking over wood fires as gas remains scarce.